a load of manure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a load of manure' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large amount of something, usually something unpleasant. For example, "The amount of bureaucracy required to complete the project was a load of manure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I may also splurge on a load of manure for the garden.

The New Yorker

Its arrival in the city augurs worse than a load of manure on the F train.

The New Yorker

But if I pumped a load of manure into the Scarecrow, he would have shit for brains.

The Guardian - Books

Don't tell my son. 2. Muckspread This is not so much sharing any pertinent gossip I possess in the case of Charles vs Nigella, as it is me putting down a load of manure.

Independent

Back in the 1990s Ofili's dung somehow became a touchstone for all that was repulsive about the YBAs, and in 1998 (the same year he won the Turner prize) someone dumped a load of manure in front of the Sensation exhibition to prove that modern art was bullshit.

The Guardian - Arts

Re "A Load of Manure," by Nicolette Hahn Niman (Op-Ed, March 4), about farm-based methane digesters, a technology for generating renewable energy from manure: Virtually all major environmental groups support methane digesters as a practical way to reduce water pollution, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from farms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A load of horse manure.

The New Yorker

David Archer, simple son-of-the-soil that he is, has brought them a load of useful manure.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This weekend, we plan to borrow a pickup truck and head over to the neighbors for a load of donkey manure, which we will mix with the rotted leaves and compost behind the tractor shed.

The New York Times

I think it is a load of horse manure actually.

BMC Public Health

Although the meat industry would like us to believe that we can have our turkey breasts and bacon everything with a clear conscience, that's a bigger load of manure than even a factory farm generates.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a load of manure" to express strong disapproval or to characterize something as nonsensical.

Common error

Avoid using "a load of manure" in contexts where a literal reference to fertilizer is intended if your goal is to express disdain. The phrase is primarily figurative.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a load of manure" is as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement or object, typically used to express disbelief, contempt, or to characterize something as false or nonsensical. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a load of manure" is a grammatically correct noun phrase primarily used to express strong disbelief or contempt. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while the phrase is not rare, it is more common in informal contexts like news and media. It should be used with caution in formal settings due to its potentially offensive connotation. Consider alternatives such as ""a load of rubbish"" or ""a bunch of nonsense"" when a milder expression is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a load of rubbish

Indicates that something is untrue or nonsensical.

a heap of fertilizer

Refers to a large quantity of fertilizer, similar to manure's use in agriculture.

a pile of baloney

Conveys disbelief or contempt for something said or done.

a bunch of nonsense

Indicates that something is foolish or untrue, akin to dismissing something as worthless.

a truckload of fertilizer

Indicates a large quantity of fertilizer, similar to manure's use in agriculture.

a mountain of rubbish

Emphasizes a large quantity of unwanted or inferior material.

a pack of lies

Suggests that something is entirely false and deceptive.

a world of garbage

Highlights a large quantity of undesirable things or ideas.

an abundance of rubbish

Highlights a large quantity of undesirable things or ideas.

a cornucopia of falsehoods

Emphasizes the abundance of untruths.

FAQs

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

You can use "a load of manure" to express disbelief or contempt, such as: "That explanation is "a load of manure"."

What's a less crude alternative to "a load of manure"?

Consider using milder phrases like "a load of rubbish" or "a bunch of nonsense" to convey disbelief without being overly offensive.

Is "a load of manure" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a load of manure" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a large quantity of something, often with a negative connotation.

When is it appropriate to use the expression "a load of manure"?

It's appropriate to use "a load of manure" when you want to strongly express that something is untrue, nonsensical, or of very poor quality. Be mindful of your audience as it can be considered impolite in formal settings.