a crush of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a crush of" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is typically used to describe a large group of people who have gathered together in a close space or place. For example: There was a crush of people in the grocery store aisle, trying to buy toilet paper.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A crush of fans descended.

The New York Times - Sports

They prepared for a crush of victims.

The New York Times

A crush of supporters greeted him.

The New York Times

But it was not a crush of voters.

The New York Times

A crush of bodies carried me toward the pillar.

The New Yorker

And he did attract a crush of investors.

The New York Times

The move brought a crush of global attention.

The Guardian

Ninety-one scheduled public protests with a crush of demonstrators.

The New York Times

As the deadline loomed, a crush of depositors filed voluntary disclosures.

The Washington Post

Then, a crush of holiday orders hit the warehouse in December.

The New York Times

"There are certainly a crush of requests for his time, for his imprimatur," Mr. Clemens said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a crush of" when you want to emphasize a large number of people or things gathered tightly together, often in a way that suggests crowding or pressure. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a crush of" when referring to abstract concepts or situations where physical crowding is not implied. For example, instead of saying "a crush of ideas", consider using "a wealth of ideas" or "a multitude of ideas".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crush of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying a noun to indicate a large, densely packed group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples in Ludwig show its usage with both people and things, emphasizing the crowded nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

1.69%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crush of" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a large, densely packed gathering of people or things. As verified by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the intensity and crowding associated with such a gathering. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the group. When writing, consider alternatives like "a throng of" or "a flood of" depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using "a crush of" in abstract contexts where physical crowding is not implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a throng of

Suggests a densely packed crowd, similar to "a crush of" but often implying movement.

a flood of

Indicates a large influx or overwhelming quantity, similar to "a crush of" when referring to applications or orders.

a press of

Highlights physical proximity and pressure exerted by people or things, related to the physical squeezing aspect.

a multitude of

Emphasizes a large number or quantity, similar to "a crush of" but without the connotation of being physically pressed together.

a mass of

Highlights the large quantity, similar to "a crush of" but without necessarily implying density or pressure.

a jam of

Emphasizes the crowded or congested nature of something, related to the squeezing aspect of the main query.

a swarm of

Suggests a large group moving quickly and closely together, often used for insects or people.

a horde of

Implies a large and often uncontrolled group, carrying a slightly negative connotation compared to "a crush of".

an abundance of

Highlights a plentiful supply or quantity, similar to "a crush of" when referring to non-physical entities.

a heap of

Indicates a large pile or accumulation, sharing the sense of quantity with "a crush of" but not the crowding aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "a crush of" in a sentence?

You can use "a crush of" to describe a large number of people or things gathered tightly together. For example, "A crush of reporters surrounded the celebrity" or "The store experienced a crush of customers during the holiday sale".

What are some alternatives to saying "a crush of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a multitude of", "a throng of", or "a flood of".

Is it appropriate to use "a crush of" to describe abstract things?

While "a crush of" is typically used for physical gatherings, it can sometimes be used metaphorically for overwhelming quantities. However, consider using more precise alternatives like "an abundance of" or "a wealth of" for abstract concepts.

What's the difference between "a crush of" and "a crowd of"?

"A crowd of" simply refers to a gathering of people, while "a crush of" implies a dense, tightly packed gathering where people are pressed closely together. The phrase "a crowd of people" doesn't emphasize the physical proximity.