a lot of dust

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lot of dust" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing a large amount of dust in a certain location or situation. For example: - "There was a lot of dust on the bookshelf." - "The old attic was covered in a thick layer of dust." - "The construction site kicked up a lot of dust." - "The antique shop was filled with a lot of dust from decades of neglect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We end up eating a lot of dust".

The Guardian

But when Tempel-Tuttle has passed by recently, there has been a lot of dust about.

The Economist

"He said, 'There's a lot of dust.' " Irfan is driving a taxi again.

The New Yorker

He inhaled a lot of dust and plaster, but he was O.K.

The New Yorker

These guys drag around a lot of branches and kick up a lot of dust".

The New York Times

Basically, what it amounted to was a lot of dust and racket.

The New York Times

Soon there were sparks and flames, and a lot of dust.

The Guardian

Use the rubber mask for jobs that generate a lot of dust and the fabric mask for lighter jobs.

The New York Times

"I went outside, and there was a lot of dust and I couldn't see anything," he recalled.

The New York Times

Their fast bowlers roughed the wicket up and there's a lot of dust and footholds to work with".

The Guardian - Sport

In a tiny coffin I found a lot of dust, a terrible smell, a little backbone and a shoulder bone".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing indoor environments, specify the location of "a lot of dust" to provide context (e.g., "a lot of dust" on furniture, floors, or shelves).

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "a lot of dust" in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise or technical terms like "significant particulate matter" or "high concentration of airborne particles" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a lot of dust" is to act as a noun phrase functioning as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It denotes a significant quantity of fine particles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

35%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lot of dust" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe a significant amount of dust. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, though more formal alternatives exist for academic or scientific writing. The phrase frequently appears in news, media, and wiki sources, and understanding its usage helps in both describing environments and avoiding overuse in overly formal settings. Related phrases include "a large amount of dust" and "plenty of dust", offering alternative ways to express a similar concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large amount of dust

Replaces "lot" with "large amount" for a more formal tone, maintaining the same meaning.

plenty of dust

Uses "plenty" to indicate abundance, slightly less formal than "a large amount".

a significant quantity of dust

More formal and emphasizes the importance of the amount of dust.

an abundance of dust

Emphasizes a plentiful or overflowing amount of dust.

considerable dust

More concise and formal, implying a noticeable amount of dust.

heavy dust

Describes the dust as being weighty or dense, suggesting a substantial presence.

thick dust

Suggests the dust is dense and potentially obstructive.

copious amounts of dust

Emphasizes the generous quantity of dust.

substantial dust

Implies a significant and noteworthy quantity of dust.

clouds of dust

Focuses on the visual aspect, suggesting dust is present in billowing masses.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a lot of dust" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases such as "significant quantity of dust", "considerable dust", or "substantial dust" depending on the specific context.

What is a less formal way to say "a lot of dust"?

Alternatives like "plenty of dust" or "thick dust" can convey the same meaning in a more casual manner.

Is it correct to use "a lot of dusts" instead of "a lot of dust"?

No, "dust" is generally used as an uncountable noun, so the correct form is "a lot of dust". The plural form "dusts" is rarely used and typically refers to different types of dust.

How does "a lot of dust" differ from "dust bunnies"?

"A lot of dust" refers to a general quantity of fine particles. "Dust bunnies", on the other hand, are clumps of dust and debris that form in corners and under furniture.