a mountain of data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mountain of data" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large amount of information, usually when comparing it to a literal mountain. For example: "My desk is currently buried under a mountain of data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

For many people, a "mountain of data" evokes a heaping pile of unorganized information.

The New York Times - Science

Google has a mountain of data based on how people search.

The New York Times - Tech

So, after sorting through a mountain of data, Glaeser decided that the housing crisis was man-made.

The New York Times - Magazine

Greene's team has amassed a mountain of data derived from study participants solving moral dilemmas while in brain scanners.

University of California, Berkeley

"We'll leave behind a mountain of data and mixed in with junk about stuff we've sold on eBay will be photos of our kids.

The Guardian

It is one thing to simply assert that you don't choose to believe the science, in spite of a mountain of data supporting it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The second theme is a simpler one: gathering up mountains of data on everyday people is an attractive nuisance and an invitation to abuse.

The Guardian - Tech

With AI, you don't have to explain: you just give a mountain of real data to a computer and let it learn.

The Guardian - Tech

"The last few months have brought a mountain of new data, including an M.I.T study suggesting that the planet could be warming much faster than previously thought.

The New York Times

Krumholz, the Harold H. Hines Jr. Professor of Medicine, director of the Yale Open Data Access Project, and faculty co-director of the Yale Center for Research Computing, said nurses' notes, radiology reports, and so many other documents have created a mountain of unstructured data in medicine.

Yale University

One involves collecting a mountain of patient data from six hospitals in Kathmandu Valley that she hopes will reveal insights into the association between ambient particulate matter and hospital admissions as well as susceptibility based on individual and community characteristics.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mountain of data," consider if the data is organized. If it is highly organized, alternatives like "extensive dataset" might be more precise.

Common error

While "a mountain of data" often implies being overwhelmed, it doesn't inherently have negative connotations. The phrase can also express opportunity and abundance. Ensure the tone aligns with your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mountain of data" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the large quantity of information available or under consideration. Ludwig shows this phrase used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mountain of data" is a common phrase used to describe a large quantity of information. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. It is important to consider if there is disorganization within the mountain of data or not because there may be other phrases that are more appropriate. While the phrase often carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, implying being overwhelmed, it can also convey opportunity. Related phrases include "a wealth of information" and "a vast amount of data". Ensure you use the phrase appropriately by being mindful of the potential for different interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vast amount of data

Focuses on the sheer quantity of data, highlighting its extensiveness.

a large volume of data

Emphasizes the amount of data, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

a significant quantity of data

Emphasizes importance and quantity of the information collected.

a wealth of information

Implies a rich and valuable collection of data, emphasizing its quality.

a massive collection of data

Highlights the size of the data and structured content, rather than simply a mass amount.

an abundance of data

Highlights the plentiful and readily available nature of the data.

a considerable body of data

Suggests structured and significant data that has accumulated over time.

a sea of data

Suggests an overwhelming and potentially confusing quantity of information.

a plethora of data

Suggests an excessive and perhaps unnecessary amount of data.

extensive data set

Focuses on data being structured, rather than simply a mass amount.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mountain of data" to describe a large quantity of information that needs to be processed or analyzed. For example, "The researchers were faced with "a mountain of data" from the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "a mountain of data"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a wealth of information", "a vast amount of data", or "a large volume of data".

Is "a mountain of data" a formal or informal expression?

"A mountain of data" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone. It is generally acceptable in most writing situations.

What does it mean to be "buried under a mountain of data"?

To be "buried under a mountain of data" means to be overwhelmed by a large quantity of information that is difficult to manage or analyze. It suggests a feeling of being overloaded and unable to cope with the amount of data.