a load of boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a load of boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity of boxes, often implying that the amount is excessive or cumbersome. Example: "We need to find a way to move a load of boxes from the storage room to the truck before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

On the bus or the tube, it ticks a load of boxes, you can go into your own world.

The Guardian - Music

110 Shoreditch High Street, 020-3222 0073, timefortea.org.uk With erratic opening hours (best to phone ahead) and a load of boxes stuffed full of old picture frames sitting on the pavement, the initial impression of Eighty-Seven is that it's rather chaotic.

The Guardian - Travel

Look for a cycle time of 15 seconds down to crush a load of boxes and 15 seconds to return the crushing plate back up.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The last thing people think I've got in my bag is a load of boxing gloves," says Khadijah Safari.

Vice

"The last thing people think I've got in my bag is a load of boxing gloves" says Khadijah Safari.

Vice

Mr. Richardson was working the 6 p.m.-to-6 a.m. shift in the control room a couple of weeks ago when the CSAV Pyrenees returned to the terminal in Newark to take on a load of 1,500 boxes bound for Germany.

The New York Times

But get a load of the Timeless Box.

TechCrunch

Mr Ferris said: "They came in a box with a load of exquisitely-painted model soldiers from the period.

BBC

This lessens the risk of having a load of outdated phone cases in a box in your garage.

Huffington Post

They just look like a load of weird insects trapped in a wooden box.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than six years after construction began, the home is almost finished, though there is still a deck to be built, a rug and office chairs to buy and loads of boxes to unpack.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a large but manageable number of boxes, "a load of boxes" can be effective. For truly excessive or overwhelming quantities, consider alternatives like "a mountain of boxes".

Common error

While "a load of boxes" is acceptable, avoid overuse. Vary your language with alternatives such as "many boxes" or "several boxes" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a load of boxes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. It quantifies and describes a collection of boxes, similar to what Ludwig AI's examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a load of boxes" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe a large quantity of boxes. Ludwig AI indicates that it's acceptable for general use, though slightly informal. While frequently found in news, media and Wiki articles, it may be too casual for formal or scientific writing where alternatives such as "many boxes" or "a large quantity of boxes" might be more appropriate. Use it judiciously, and consider the context when choosing between this and other similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lots of boxes

Uses a more informal synonym for "a load of".

many boxes

This alternative is a more straightforward and less idiomatic way to describe a large number of boxes.

a large quantity of boxes

This alternative uses more formal language to express a similar idea.

a pile of boxes

This alternative suggests that the boxes are stacked in a disorganized manner.

a stack of boxes

Suggests a more organized, vertical arrangement compared to "a load of boxes".

numerous boxes

Replaces the idiomatic "a load of" with the more direct "numerous".

an abundance of boxes

Emphasizes the plentiful nature of the boxes.

a multitude of boxes

Similar to "an abundance", but with a slightly more formal tone.

a mountain of boxes

Emphasizes the large size and potentially overwhelming nature of the collection of boxes.

countless boxes

Highlights the difficulty in counting the boxes due to their large number.

FAQs

What does "a load of boxes" mean?

The phrase "a load of boxes" refers to a large quantity of boxes, often implying a cumbersome or significant amount.

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

Example: "We had to move "a load of boxes" out of the storage room."

What can I say instead of "a load of boxes"?

You can use alternatives like "many boxes", "lots of boxes", or "a pile of boxes" depending on the context.

Is "a load of boxes" formal or informal?

The phrase "a load of boxes" is generally considered informal. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "a large quantity of boxes".