a mountain of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mountain of" can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a large quantity of something, in a figurative sense. For example: "There is a mountain of paperwork on my desk that I need to take care of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bill Chase, Geneva A mountain of debt?

The New York Times

ON THE PLATES A mountain of seafood.

The New York Times

With that comes a mountain of preparation.

Independent

There's a mountain of food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tomorrow's new band: A Mountain Of One.

The Guardian - Music

It is a mountain of unspendable loot.

The Guardian - Film

China has a mountain of bad debts.

The Guardian - Business

There was a mountain of paper".

The Guardian - Tech

Inside the theater, candles, a mountain of bloom.

Columbia University

A mountain of commentary has been devoted to this text.

Yale University

"It leaves a mountain of work for us".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mountain of" to vividly describe a large quantity or overwhelming amount of something. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the scale or impressiveness of the amount.

Common error

While "a mountain of" is widely understood, it can sound informal or hyperbolic in very formal writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "a significant amount of" or "a large quantity of" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mountain of" functions primarily as a quantifier, specifically a determiner phrase, indicating a large, often overwhelming, quantity or amount. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples showing it modifying nouns such as "debt", "food", and "work".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mountain of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a large quantity or amount, often with an implication of being overwhelmed or burdened. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's wise to consider more formal alternatives in very formal writing situations. By understanding its nuances and considering context, you can effectively use this phrase to add impact and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wealth of

Implies a large and valuable amount, often of resources or information; focuses on positive aspect.

an abundance of

Emphasizes a plentiful supply, often in a positive or grateful context.

a plethora of

Suggests an excessive amount, sometimes implying overabundance or choice.

a vast amount of

Highlights the immense scale or size of the quantity.

a great quantity of

A more formal and neutral way to express a large amount.

a cornucopia of

Evokes an image of overflowing abundance, often related to diverse and delightful things.

a heap of

More informal, suggesting a disorganized pile or collection.

tons of

An informal way to emphasize a large amount, using weight as a metaphor.

a load of

Informal, implying a burden or large responsibility associated with the quantity.

oodles of

Suggests a very large, almost absurd quantity, often used playfully.

FAQs

How can I use "a mountain of" in a sentence?

You can use "a mountain of" to describe a large quantity or burden. For instance, "He faced "a mountain of debt"" or "There's "a mountain of work" to do before the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "a mountain of"?

Alternatives include "a wealth of", "a plethora of", or "an abundance of", depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a mountain of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using "a mountain of" in strictly formal contexts may sound too informal. Consider more neutral alternatives such as "a significant quantity of" or "a substantial amount of".

How does the meaning of "a mountain of" differ from "a molehill of"?

"A mountain of" indicates a large, overwhelming amount, while "a molehill of" suggests something insignificant or trivial. They are contrasting expressions used to emphasize scale.