a gross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gross" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective meaning "very large," "very offensive," or "vulgar." For example: "The whole ordeal was a gross violation of my privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We'll take a gross.

The New Yorker

A gross caricature?

The Economist

It was a gross injustice.

Independent

That is a gross overstatement.

The New York Times

This is a gross simplification.

The New York Times - Arts

A gross feeder.

The New York Times - Books

To ignore that is a gross oversight.

Independent

"A GROSS abuse of government power".

The Economist

"It is so, so a gross room".

The New York Times - Arts

He has a gross green tentacle.

The New Yorker

Anything else is a gross violation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a gross" to describe a quantity (144 items), ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to the traditional unit, and not to something disgusting.

Common error

Avoid using "a gross" in ambiguous contexts where it might be confused for meaning 'disgusting' instead of 'large' or 'obvious'. Clarify your intention if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gross" primarily functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It is versatile, capable of describing quantities (e.g., "a gross of pencils") or expressing strong disapproval or negativity (e.g., "a gross injustice"). This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gross" is a versatile phrase with distinct meanings, encompassing a quantity of 144 and a descriptor of something highly offensive or obvious. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to emphasize scale or express strong disapproval. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of potential ambiguity and choose the most appropriate phrasing to prevent misinterpretation. When describing something offensive, there are several synonyms you can use in its place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an egregious

Stresses the exceptional and shocking nature of something bad.

a flagrant

Implies a scandalous and openly offensive violation of rules or standards.

a blatant

Emphasizes an obvious and unconcealed nature, especially of something negative.

a glaring

Highlights something that is strikingly obvious or conspicuous, often a mistake or flaw.

a patent

Highlights something easily recognizable and undeniable.

a manifest

Emphasizes that something is clear and obvious to the eye or mind.

an unforgivable

Highlights the severity of an error or action deeming it impossible to excuse.

an unpardonable

Emphasizes the impossibility of excusing or forgiving something.

a considerable

Indicates a notably large amount or degree.

a significant

Highlights importance or consequence.

FAQs

What does "a gross" mean?

The term "a gross" can refer to a quantity of 144 items. It can also be used as an adjective meaning something is extremely unpleasant, unacceptable, or obvious, depending on the context.

How can I use "a gross" in a sentence?

When using "a gross" to describe something unpleasant, you could say, "That was "a gross misunderstanding"." When referring to quantity, specify the items, like "The department store John Lewis bought "a gross" of silk-screened pieces of cloth".

What are some alternatives to "a gross" when describing something offensive?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "an egregious", "a blatant", or "a flagrant".

Is it always appropriate to use "a gross" in formal writing?

While "a gross" isn't inherently informal, consider your audience. If you mean 'offensive' or 'unacceptable', alternatives like "egregious" or "flagrant" might be more suitable for formal contexts. If you mean the quantity of 144, ensure it fits the tone.