a mass of mud

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mass of mud" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity or accumulation of mud, often in a context related to weather, construction, or natural disasters. Example: "After the heavy rain, the backyard turned into a mass of mud, making it impossible to walk through without getting stuck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Beyond them is the immense Temple of Baal; the modern town is built inside it and its rows of columns rise out of a mass of mud roofs.

The Guardian

On Friday morning, Edward Heinlein, 66, pointed to a mass of mud that overtook the upper part of his backyard in Azusa.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Indeed the first sight incoming spectators get of one of the most beautiful courses in the world is a glutinous mass of mud that has formed in the valley between the 1st tee and the green.

The Guardian - Sport

Getting ready to leave his house on Ridge View Drive in Azusa about 7 a.m., Edward Heinlein, 66, pointed to a deep mass of mud that crept across his backyard at night.

Los Angeles Times

How a shiny airliner full of successful Nigerians — all week news reports detailed the accomplishments of various high-ranking civil servants and ingenious entrepreneurs — ended up a mass of charred wreckage in the mud of a working-class neighborhood pointed up the worst nightmares of every traveler in this country so full of both dynamism and dysfunction.

The New York Times

The Hilton work, with its clifflike sweep of white, its touches of marine blue and its curved mass of mud brown, evokes the feeling of a beach, whether the artist means to or not.

The New York Times

In the capital alone, more than 500 bodies were pulled from the mass of mud, collapsed buildings and mangled vehicles left by the storm.

The Economist

That's a lot of mud.

Independent

"A lot of mud is being thrown," he said.

The New York Times

"We were getting a lot of mud balls, and I got some mud on my ball there".

The New York Times - Sports

A pile of mud and stones is a concealed mortar.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape after heavy rain, use "a mass of mud" to vividly convey the extent of the muddy conditions.

Common error

While "a mass of mud" is acceptable, consider more precise scientific or technical terms like "sediment accumulation" or "alluvial deposit" in formal reports to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mass of mud" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a large, undefined quantity of mud. Ludwig confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mass of mud" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a large quantity of mud. While Ludwig AI confirms its general correctness and usability, its frequency is uncommon. The phrase appears in neutral registers, frequently found in News & Media and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "a large quantity of mud" and "a pile of mud", offering similar ways to express the concept. When using "a mass of mud", consider the context and adjust the language accordingly to maintain the desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity of mud

Replaces "mass" with "quantity", emphasizing the amount of mud.

a great deal of mud

Substitutes "mass" with "deal", indicating a significant amount.

an abundance of mud

Uses "abundance" instead of "mass", suggesting a plentiful supply.

a collection of mud

Replaces "mass" with "collection", focusing on the gathering of mud.

a pile of mud

Uses "pile" to describe the accumulated mud.

a heap of mud

Similar to "pile", but slightly less formal.

a spread of mud

Describes the mud as covering an area.

a layer of mud

Focuses on the mud forming a surface.

an accumulation of mud

Emphasizes the gradual build-up of mud.

a blanket of mud

Metaphorically describes the mud as a covering layer.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mass of mud" to describe a large quantity of mud, for example: "After the flood, the garden was covered in "a mass of mud".".

What phrases are similar to "a mass of mud"?

Alternatives include "a large quantity of mud", "a great deal of mud", or "a pile of mud" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a mass of muds"?

No, the correct form is "a mass of mud". "Mud" is typically an uncountable noun, so it doesn't have a plural form in this context.

What's the difference between "a mass of mud" and "a mudslide"?

"A mass of mud" describes a quantity of mud, while "a mudslide" refers to the event of mud moving rapidly down a slope.