a heap of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heap of errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a piece of work or document. Example: "After reviewing the report, I found a heap of errors that need to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Djokovic needed more than three hours to advance, and he could not relax until the fourth set, when Verdasco fell apart in a heap of errors.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A heap of poetry.

The New York Times - Books

I sit on a heap of days.

The New Yorker

Berlin was a heap of rubble.

The New Yorker

"A heap of corpses piled up in front of me".

Independent

Or is it a heap of chaotic spaghetti?

The New York Times - Tech

The fruit store had become a heap of bricks.

The New York Times

On a table is a heap of dusty crystal drops.

The Guardian - Arts

In front of the blade the fluid forms a heap of growing volume.

Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

Are we safe to consume a heap of natural flavors?

The Washington Post

"Most people regarded it as a heap of old trash".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a heap of errors", ensure the context clearly establishes what the errors pertain to. Specify the document, process, or situation where the errors occurred for clarity.

Common error

While "a heap of errors" is acceptable, it can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider using phrases like "a multitude of errors" or "a significant number of inaccuracies" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heap of errors" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a collection or large quantity of mistakes. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a heap of errors" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a large number of mistakes. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While it is suitable for general use, particularly in news and media contexts, consider more formal alternatives such as "a multitude of errors" or "a significant number of inaccuracies" in professional or academic settings. It's crucial to specify the source of the errors to maintain clarity. As shown in Ludwig, contexts vary from sport to literature demonstrating versatility, but also highlighting a need for formality awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of mistakes

Emphasizes the numerous nature of the errors, similar to "a heap of errors".

a mountain of errors

Uses a different metaphor to convey a large quantity of errors.

a large number of mistakes

More literal and less figurative than "a heap of errors".

an abundance of errors

Highlights the plentiful nature of the errors.

a plethora of mistakes

Uses a more formal vocabulary to indicate many errors.

a basketful of errors

Similar to heap but used 'basketful' instead.

a cluster of errors

Suggests a grouping or concentration of errors.

a collection of mistakes

Implies a gathering or accumulation of errors.

several errors

A more general and less emphatic way to refer to multiple errors.

numerous inaccuracies

Focuses on the lack of precision or correctness in the errors.

FAQs

How can I use "a heap of errors" in a sentence?

You can use "a heap of errors" to describe a large number of mistakes or inaccuracies in something. For example: "After reviewing the report, I found "a heap of errors" that need to be corrected."

What are some alternatives to "a heap of errors"?

You can use alternatives like "a multitude of mistakes", "a mountain of errors", or "a large number of mistakes" depending on the context.

Is "a heap of errors" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a heap of errors" leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, consider using phrases such as "a significant number of inaccuracies" or "a multitude of errors".

What's the difference between "a heap of errors" and "a series of errors"?

"A heap of errors" implies a large quantity or accumulation of errors, while "a series of errors" suggests that the errors occurred sequentially or are related in some way.