a hoard of documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hoard of documents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large collection or accumulation of documents, often implying that they are stored or kept in a disorganized manner. Example: "After the audit, we discovered a hoard of documents that had not been properly filed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She was convinced she had proof of Andre's multiple affairs, telling friends she had a hoard of documents to back it up.

The Guardian

But the biggest shock of all to come from the Mezhyhirya compound may yet prove to be not the overblown buildings themselves, but a hoard of documents that the president's henchmen attempted to dispose of as he fled.

The Guardian

HMRC was passed a hoard of documents in 2010 from France about clients of HSBC's Swiss operation, but has said it could not share information it had about the bank because of an international agreement.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Donald Maclauchlan, of Clan Maclachlan, said: "The document was found as part of a hoard of papers – around 13 large boxes.

The Guardian

The Panama Papers, a hoard of 11.5m documents leaked from the offshore law firm, show Mossack Fonseca's links to the Makhloufs for the first time, and how active the bank was in keeping the family plugged into the European financial system until the moment Swiss regulators froze their accounts on 19 May 2011.

The Guardian

The search turned up a hoard of false documents, including some proclaiming Plantard the true king of France.

Wikipedia

When US District Judge Gonzalo Curiel unsealed a hoard of highly unflattering documents this week about Trump University, Donald Trump responded the way one would expect: with bullying and race-baiting.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a city beset by leaks — a young programmer recently gave a hoard of top-secret documents to newspapers — the high court's annual rulings remain stubbornly opaque until they are handed out (on paper, first) by the court's public relations staff.

The New York Times

He reports that scientists in South Africa have discovered a hoard of fossil finds "documenting a puzzling forerunner to modern mankind that lived two million years ago, with human-like hands and ape-like feet".

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The document is the earliest recorded list of the archipelago's population and was discovered by archivists among a hoard of clan papers.

The Guardian

The hoard of documents and computer discs taken by US special forces consisted more of "strategic musings" than concrete terror plots, the official told ProPublica, the US non-profitmaking investigative news organisation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hoard of documents" when you want to emphasize the quantity and potential hidden value or significance of the information contained within.

Common error

Avoid using "a hoard of documents" when you intend to convey an organized and easily accessible collection. Phrases like "well-maintained archive" or "organized database" would be more suitable in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hoard of documents" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a quantity of documents. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates an accumulation of documents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hoard of documents" is a noun phrase used to describe a large quantity of documents, often implying disorganization or hidden value. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, particularly in news and media, wiki articles, and academic writing. When choosing this phrase, consider its connotation and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Alternative phrases such as "a mountain of paperwork" or "a vast collection of records" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vast collection of records

Highlights the comprehensive and potentially organized nature of the document set.

an extensive archive of files

Suggests a historical or official compilation of documents.

an unmanageable mass of documents

Emphasizes the difficulty in dealing with the large quantity of records.

a mountain of paperwork

Emphasizes the overwhelming quantity of documents, suggesting a physical barrier or obstacle.

a huge stockpile of files

Highlights the abundance and potentially secretive nature of the stored documents.

a wealth of documentation

Emphasizes the richness and potential value of the documents.

a substantial body of evidence

Focuses on documents serving as proof or support for a claim.

a significant accumulation of data

Focuses on the informational content of the documents, rather than their physical form.

numerous dossiers

Implies a structured collection of documents, often related to a specific subject or person.

a large volume of materials

Broader term, encompassing documents but also other types of records.

FAQs

What does "a hoard of documents" mean?

The phrase "a hoard of documents" refers to a large, often disorganized, collection of documents. It suggests a significant quantity, possibly stored or accumulated over time.

What can I say instead of "a hoard of documents"?

You can use alternatives like "a mountain of paperwork", "a vast collection of records", or "an extensive archive of files" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a hoard of document"?

No, the correct phrase is "a hoard of documents", with the plural "documents". The word "hoard" implies a collection of multiple items, thus requiring the plural form.

What is the difference between "a collection of documents" and "a hoard of documents"?

While both refer to multiple documents, "a collection of documents" can imply organization and curation, while "a hoard of documents" suggests a large, potentially disorganized, accumulation. The term hoard often implies a hidden or secret nature.