a load of birds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a load of birds" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to refer to a large number of birds or metaphorically to describe something as nonsensical or trivial. Example: "When I looked out the window, I saw a load of birds flocking to the feeder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But did a load of birds fly into a window and freak Keri Russell out during Paranormal Activity?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Indeed, Gok's weekly coups were the biggest televised "sort your shit out" triumph since Dr Gillian McKeith laid out a load of Bird's Trifle and Cadbury's Fingers on a trestle table and shouted at a compulsive binge-eater: "Och, YOU! Look at your POO.

Independent

In one case 574 chickens, from a load of 6,072 birds, died after being left on a lorry in very hot conditions.

The Guardian

There's also a load of Angry Birds Space-themed apparel, plush toys, phones and fruit snacks that are coming to Walmart soon.

TechCrunch

Captain Sullenberger didn't know he was - insert quotation marks in the air - Sully until a load of mixed-up birds departed this life inside a plane's engines, of all places, on a frigid January afternoon.

The New York Times

The artwork which depicts a load of pigeons telling a colorful bird to "go back to Africa"—was swiftly removed amid complaints of racism from people who somehow didn't realize the stencil was an explicit statement against racism.

Vice

To modulate the reactive homeostasis range, we altered allostatic load of birds by exposing them to chronic stress while either elevating, blocking, or not manipulating corticosterone.

General and Comparative Endocrinology

PAGE C3 BIRD DELIVERS THE DIRT American political campaigns may be known for their dirt, but when is the last time one of them had a virtual bird dropping a load of excrement on a candidate?

The New York Times

And before you could say "Let's not call them terrorists because they're white people", the same group had holed themselves up in the local bird sanctuary with a load of guns and, well, not much else.

Independent

A load of cobblers".

The Guardian - Arts

What a load of baloney.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a load of birds", consider the context. It's generally informal, so avoid using it in formal or academic writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a large number of birds" or "a flock of birds".

Common error

Avoid using "a load of birds" in professional or academic writing. This phrase is considered informal and may detract from the seriousness or professionalism of your message. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "a large number of birds" or "a significant population of birds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a load of birds" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to denote a quantity of birds. Ludwig AI confirms this is usable in written English, mainly in informal contexts. In the provided example, it describes a collection of birds in a general sense.

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

The phrase "a load of birds" is an informal expression used to describe a large number of birds. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI points out, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be avoided in formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "a flock of birds" or "a large number of birds" are more appropriate for formal settings. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, primarily to describe quantity, and its usage is more common in news media than in academic or scientific contexts. Remember to consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use the phrase "a load of birds".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flock of birds

Focuses on birds grouped together.

many birds

Emphasizes a large number.

a large number of birds

More formal way to express quantity.

several birds

Indicates more than a few, but not necessarily a huge amount.

a group of birds

Highlights birds as a collective unit.

a multitude of birds

More literary and emphasizes a great quantity.

countless birds

Emphasizes the birds are too numerous to count.

a host of birds

Implies a large and impressive number.

plenty of birds

Indicates a sufficient or abundant quantity.

an abundance of birds

Stresses the plentiful presence of birds.

FAQs

What does "a load of birds" mean?

The phrase "a load of birds" typically refers to a large quantity of birds. It is an informal way to describe a flock or gathering of birds.

Is "a load of birds" a formal or informal expression?

"A load of birds" is an informal expression. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a large number of birds" or "a flock of birds".

What are some alternatives to "a load of birds"?

Alternatives to "a load of birds" include "many birds", "a flock of birds", or "a large group of birds". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "a load of birds" in a sentence?

You can use "a load of birds" in a sentence like this: "When I went to the park, I saw "a load of birds" feeding near the pond."