a flood of

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "a flood of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount of something, for example "A flood of applications came in for the job opening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A flood of imitations followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a flood of changes.

The New York Times - Travel

This has triggered a flood of rhetoric.

The Economist

That caused a flood of bond sales.

The New York Times

A flood of equally dubious patents followed.

The Economist

A Flood of Fungal Problems?

Cornell University

A flood of wickets, though?

The Guardian - Sport

A flood of lawsuits followed.

The New York Times - Health

"There's been a flood of e-mails.

The New York Times

A flood of takers is not expected.

The Guardian - Sport

It brought back a flood of memories.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flood of" to describe a sudden and large increase in something, whether tangible (e.g., "a flood of applications") or intangible (e.g., "a flood of emotions").

Common error

Avoid using "a flood of" when describing something gradually increasing or naturally occurring. It is best suited for situations that involve a sudden and overwhelming surge.

Linguistic Context

As a determiner phrase, "a flood of" modifies a noun, indicating a large quantity or sudden influx. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, from describing emotions to tangible items, highlighting its versatility in modifying nouns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flood of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a large quantity or sudden influx of something, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. It is considered grammatically correct and is very commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal writing, it's best used when describing a sudden and overwhelming surge. Be mindful of using it in contexts where a gradual increase is more fitting. Understanding its communicative purpose helps writers emphasize the abundance or intensity of the subject. Ultimately, employing it correctly enriches the narrative and conveys the intended magnitude effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A deluge of

Synonymous, emphasizing an overwhelming quantity.

A wave of

Implies a surge or sudden increase.

An outpouring of

Suggests an emotional release or generous supply.

A barrage of

Conveys a forceful and continuous stream.

A glut of

Indicates an excessive supply, often unwanted.

A surplus of

Implies an amount exceeding what is needed.

An abundance of

Highlights a plentiful and generous amount.

A profusion of

Emphasizes a rich and extravagant quantity.

A plethora of

Signifies a wide variety and large quantity.

A multitude of

Indicates a very large number of items or entities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a flood of" to describe a large amount or sudden influx of something. For example, "The company received "a flood of resumes" after posting the job opening".

What can I say instead of "a flood of"?

You can use alternatives like "a deluge of", "a wave of", or "an outpouring of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a flood of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a flood of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant increases or overwhelming amounts, as seen in news and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "a flood of" and "a spate of"?

"A flood of" often implies a larger quantity or more overwhelming experience than "a spate of". "A spate of" suggests a series of similar events occurring in close succession.