a heap of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heap of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, disorganized collection of items or matters. Example: "After the party, there was a heap of things left to clean up, including empty bottles and leftover food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The great discovery that Murray has donated to cinema is that the drug of deadpan need not be a downer; bewilderingly, it can be an upper, even when you clearly have a heap of things to be down about, plus a face that looks like yesterday's cinnamon Danish.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was in the wardrobe, at the back, behind her shoes and boots, a heap of the things.

The New Yorker

On it is a heap of books — things like John Masters's "Bhowani Junction," Joan Aiken's "Nightbirds on Nantucket," Grace Paley's "Enormous Changes at the Last Minute," Harold Robbins's "The Carpetbaggers," and Lederer and Burdick's "The Ugly American".

The New York Times - Books

Partly this information is given but mostly hidden in a heap of other things (see point 2).

Biology Direct

But without deep human relatedness, it is but a static "heap of things," a hardened reality that we run around while remaining in the same place.

The New York Times

Alton thinks David Cameron is right on a "whole heap of things" but stops short of promising the Tory leader his paper's full support in a poll.

The Guardian

— Julia Moskin Chicago Reader: A chef, handed a heap of smelts, does the sensible thing: He fries them up... — Jeff Gordinier The New York Times:... Then again, poet Dan Chiasson can find unexpected romance in the boiled ones, too.

The New York Times

Blame is heaped on her for a lot of things in the play.

The New York Times - Arts

They play so energetically that by the second song, Petralli has broken a guitar string and Josh Block has snapped a drum stick, but he's prepared for this sort of thing – there's a heap of spare sticks at his feet.

Independent

"Happiness is when you find a good thing in a heap of trash".

Unicef

— Julia Moskin Real Simple: Ten smart things to do with a heap of hard-boiled eggs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a heap of things" when you want to convey a sense of disorganization or a large, somewhat overwhelming quantity. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "a large quantity of items."

Common error

Avoid using "a heap of things" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "a significant number of items" or "a considerable amount of resources".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heap of things" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a collection of items, implying a degree of disorganization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heap of things" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a collection of items, often implying a degree of disorganization. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is usable in written English. While it's most frequently found in News & Media, it appears in Science and Formal & Business contexts as well. When choosing whether to use "a heap of things", consider the context and desired tone. For formal situations, more precise alternatives like "a significant number of items" may be more appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse in overly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity of items

Uses more formal language to express a similar idea of a substantial amount.

a multitude of items

Replaces "heap" with "multitude", emphasizing a large number rather than a disorganized pile.

a mass of articles

A more formal alternative, suitable for describing items in a report or inventory.

a mountain of stuff

Substitutes "heap" with "mountain" and "things" with "stuff", creating a more informal and exaggerated image.

a load of goods

Implies a collection of merchandise or supplies.

a cluster of elements

Implies a collection of items that are related or grouped together.

a collection of objects

Replaces "things" with "objects", suggesting a more curated or deliberate assortment.

a batch of materials

Suggests raw components or ingredients intended for a specific purpose.

an abundance of possessions

Emphasizes ownership and a plentiful supply, changing the focus slightly.

a stock of commodities

Refers to a reserve of marketable items, like raw materials.

FAQs

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

You can use "a heap of things" to describe a large, disorganized collection, as in "After moving, there was "a heap of things" to unpack."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a large quantity of items", "a pile of stuff", or "an abundance of possessions".

Is "a heap of things" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a heap of things" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives such as "a significant number of items".

What's the difference between "a heap of things" and "a bunch of things"?

"A heap of things" suggests a more disorganized and possibly overwhelming collection, while "a bunch of things" is a more general term for a collection of items. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.