a mass of data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a mass of data' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount of information or knowledge on a particular topic. For example: "I searched through a mass of data to find the answer to my question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The next day McIntyre announced that he had got hold of a mass of data.

The Guardian

The next day McIntyre announced that he had got a mass of data.

The Guardian

They were designed "to collect a mass of data without any selective principle," and the experiment was repeated monthly.

The New Yorker

In this 90-minute play, Michael Wynne opts for a verbatim approach that offers a mass of data and multiple perspectives.

The Guardian

Rather than running for their lives, the boffins regard her as a scientific breakthrough: a mass of data ripe for analysis with their cutting-edge recording equipment.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As doctors used MRI scanners to treat brain-injured patients, they accumulated a mass of data about how the brain processes information.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

What the accountant has is a mass of financial data, and with the right amount of financial data, a good accountant can almost instantly identify a business's strengths and weaknesses.

Forbes

Sometimes the expectation is that algorithms more or less automatically bring forward interesting and important information out of a mass of unstructured data.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

Can you give me an example of an infographic that's good at boiling down a mass of big data?

Harvard Business Review

The new version of the ministerial code, quietly published by the government on Wednesday alongside a mass of "transparency data", also contains a new foreword by May.

The Guardian

Next week US regulators will examine a mass of clinical data to determine whether use of the drug increases the risk of heart attacks and if it does, what action should be taken.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mass of data", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize the value of the data, "a wealth of information" might be more appropriate. If you're focusing on the size, "a large volume of data" is a good choice.

Common error

Avoid using "a mass of data" when referring to a carefully curated and well-organized dataset. This phrase implies a large, possibly unwieldy, collection of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mass of data" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to a large quantity of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mass of data" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a large quantity of information. Ludwig AI confirms this. As the examples from Ludwig demonstrate, it's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While interchangeable with phrases like "a large volume of data" or "a wealth of information", it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the most appropriate term is used. Be mindful not to use it for carefully curated datasets, where it might imply disorganization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large volume of data

Focuses on the sheer size and capacity of the data.

significant amount of data

A more neutral way of expressing a substantial quantity.

an abundance of data

Highlights the plentiful and excessive nature of the data.

vast quantities of data

Emphasizes the immense scale of the data.

a wealth of information

Emphasizes the value and richness of the information, rather than just the quantity.

a mountain of information

Uses a metaphor to convey the overwhelming size and complexity of the data.

a plethora of data

Indicates a wide variety and large number of data points.

a sea of data

Another metaphor suggesting vastness and potential disorientation.

extensive data sets

More specific, referring to structured collections of data.

comprehensive data

Suggests that the data is complete and thorough.

FAQs

How can I use "a mass of data" in a sentence?

You can use "a mass of data" to describe a large quantity of information, such as "The researchers analyzed "a mass of data" to identify trends."

What can I say instead of "a mass of data"?

You can use alternatives like "a large volume of data", "a wealth of information", or "an abundance of data depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a mass of data" or "a mass of datas"?

"A mass of data" is correct. "Data" is the plural form of "datum", but it is often treated as a singular noun in modern usage, especially when referring to a general collection of information.

Is "a mass of data" formal or informal?

The phrase "a mass of data" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or scientific writing, more precise terms like "extensive datasets" or "comprehensive data" may be preferred.