a lot of cards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lot of cards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a large quantity of cards in various contexts, such as games, collections, or greetings. Example: "She has a lot of cards from different trading card games that she enjoys collecting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I played a lot of cards.

The New York Times

"We get a lot of cards.

The Guardian

"Like gamblers, they have a lot of cards to play".

The New York Times

"I used to have a lot of cards," he said.

The New York Times

But he (Sadat) has a lot of cards up his sleeve.

The New Yorker

I have a lot of cards – Nectar, House of Fraser, Body Shop, Superdrug.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"I learn a lot of card games there," she said.

The New York Times

When the family gets together, they play a lot of card games, like hearts.

The New York Times

I made some great friends and I remember a lot of card games.

The Guardian - Sport

Not much going on in there but a lot of card games.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of card playing here, and we get very loud".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to literal cards (playing cards, business cards, etc.), ensure the context clarifies the type of card. For abstract uses, consider if a more specific synonym would improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a lot of cards" when a more precise quantity or type of card would provide greater clarity and impact. For example, instead of "He had a lot of cards to play in the negotiation", consider "He had several strategic options in the negotiation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lot of cards" functions primarily as a quantifier phrase. It modifies a noun (cards) to indicate a large quantity. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a lot of cards" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a large quantity of cards, whether literal or metaphorical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, consider more formal alternatives like "numerous cards" or "a multitude of cards" for academic or professional writing. Be mindful of overgeneralization and ensure the context clarifies the specific type of cards or advantages being referenced. Remember, according to Ludwig, precision enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many cards

Uses a different quantifier to indicate a large quantity.

a large number of cards

Rephrases using a more explicit quantification.

numerous cards

Employs a more formal synonym for "many".

plenty of cards

Indicates a sufficient or abundant quantity.

a multitude of cards

Suggests a very large number, emphasizing abundance.

a great quantity of cards

Uses a more formal and emphatic expression of quantity.

an abundance of cards

Highlights the plentiful nature of the cards.

a pile of cards

Implies a disorganized heap of cards.

stacks of cards

Suggests cards neatly arranged in piles.

a collection of cards

Focuses on the cards as a set or group.

FAQs

How can I use "a lot of cards" in a sentence?

You can use "a lot of cards" to describe a large quantity of physical cards, like "She has a lot of cards in her trading card collection", or metaphorically, as in "The company holds "a lot of cards" in the negotiations".

What's a more formal way to say "a lot of cards"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "numerous cards" or "a multitude of cards". These alternatives /s/numerous+cards offer a more elevated style than "a lot of".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a lot of cards"?

While grammatically correct, "a lot of cards" might be too vague in certain contexts. If precision is needed, specify the exact number or use a more descriptive term like "stacks of cards" or "a collection of cards".

What can I say instead of "a lot of cards" when referring to strategic advantages?

When referring to strategic advantages, consider alternatives like "many options", "several advantages", or "significant leverage". These phrases provide a more nuanced description.