a collection of refuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of refuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group or assortment of waste materials or discarded items. Example: "The park was littered with a collection of refuse, including plastic bottles and food wrappers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's likely that more than sartorial snobbery was involved in the Victoria & Albert Museum's decision to refuse a collection of the Iron Lady's clothes.

The New Yorker

Collection of refuse in rural areas can present a special problem, since the population densities are low, leading to high unit costs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Keep a collection of pub glasses for those who refuse to drink from a bottle.

WikiHow

It masquerades as content that listeners are expected to find provocative, brilliant and relatable, but it's really just a collection of rants from a narcissist who refuses to acknowledge his own flaws.

Huffington Post

Mr. LeWitt's "Three Asymmetrical Pyramids," from 1986, is a watercolor conundrum, a collection of ochre, green and orange triangles that refuse to remain flat but would make no sense in three dimensions.

The New York Times

That library -- a collection of mostly Christian texts that the early Church refused to name as part of the sacred canon -- was unearthed by moderns only recently.

Huffington Post

Two of Dr. King's children are refusing to provide a biographer with a collection of her photographs, letters and personal papers.

The New York Times

McNall's parents once refused to lend him $3,000 to buy a collection of vintage coins.

Los Angeles Times

A collection of sonnets?

Independent

A collection of songs?

The New Yorker

A collection of hangers on.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about waste management or environmental issues, use "a collection of refuse" to specifically denote a set of discarded materials gathered in a particular area, emphasizing the act of collecting or accumulating the waste.

Common error

While "a collection of refuse" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "pile of trash" or "garbage" when speaking casually.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of refuse" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a group of waste materials. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of refuse" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an accumulation of waste materials. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while it is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, simpler terms may be preferable in casual settings. It's crucial to consider the specific context when using this phrase to ensure the tone and register align with the intended audience. Alternatives like "pile of garbage" or "heap of trash" can be more suitable for everyday conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pile of garbage

Focuses on the accumulated aspect of waste but uses a more common term.

heap of trash

Similar to 'pile of garbage' but uses the word 'trash'.

accumulation of waste

Emphasizes the gradual gathering of waste materials.

assortment of rubbish

Highlights the varied nature of the discarded items.

gathering of litter

Refers specifically to scattered waste, often in public places.

assemblage of debris

Implies a more scattered and potentially hazardous collection of waste.

mountain of discarded items

Emphasizes the large quantity of waste.

stockpile of junk

Suggests a deliberate accumulation of unwanted materials.

cluster of unwanted materials

Highlights the non-desirable quality of the collected items.

variety of discarded objects

Focuses on the diverse nature of the waste.

FAQs

What does "a collection of refuse" mean?

The phrase "a collection of refuse" refers to an accumulation or gathering of waste materials or garbage.

How can I use "a collection of refuse" in a sentence?

You can use "a collection of refuse" to describe a specific gathering of waste, such as "The cleanup crew removed "the pile of garbage" from the park after the festival."

What are some alternatives to "a collection of refuse"?

Alternatives include "pile of garbage", "heap of trash", or "accumulation of waste", depending on the context.

Is "a collection of refuse" formal or informal?

"A collection of refuse" leans towards formal usage. In more casual settings, consider using phrases like "garbage" or "trash".