a mountain of files

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mountain of files" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity of files, often implying that the amount is overwhelming or difficult to manage. Example: "After the merger, we were left with a mountain of files to sort through before we could proceed with the integration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Wolfsburg boss Dieter Hecking may find his January transfer window wishlist buried under a mountain of files in the club's in-tray.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Trump changed his promise after winning the election, appearing amid a mountain of file folders he claimed were part of the work his law firm was doing to separate him from his businesses.

The Guardian

Bill Chase, Geneva A mountain of debt?

The New York Times

The corporate lawyers in designer suits, with a posse of supporting lawyers sitting behind them and a mountain of case files and briefing notes.

The Guardian

Just last year, a Russian general, Dmitri A. Volkogonov, said he had examined a mountain of K.G.B. files and declared Mr. Hiss innocent of spying charges first raised by his accuser, Whittaker Chambers, in 1948.

The New York Times

She says they will comb a mountain of evidence and file formal charges.

The Guardian

WHEN General Growth Properties buckled under a mountain of debt and filed for bankruptcy last year, deal watchers assumed that Simon Properties, the nation's largest mall owner, would swoop in and buy it.

The New York Times

The impression that emerges is less like an elaborately interwoven community and more like the vast bureaucracy in Kafka's "Castle": a mountain of disconnected information, lost files and frustrating dead ends.

The New York Times - Tech

Then there was the man in the expensive suit, with the mountain of files and a lawyer by his side.

The New York Times

"This perverse mountain of files has turned into a kind of negative grail, to which one makes a pilgrimage in order to experience truth, judgment or absolution.

The New York Times - Books

By 1979, an amateur researcher, Michael Shannon, had gathered "a mountain of material which included some files that no one else had bothered to get copies of – for example, the log books of the Navy ships that Hubbard had served on, and his father's Navy service file".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mountain of files" to vividly describe a large and potentially overwhelming quantity of documents or data. This phrase is suitable when you want to emphasize the difficulty in managing or processing the files.

Common error

Avoid using "a mountain of files" excessively in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "a large volume of documents" or "an extensive collection of files" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mountain of files" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes a large and overwhelming quantity of documents. Ludwig AI examples show it used in various contexts to convey this sense of abundance and potential burden.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mountain of files" is a widely recognized and commonly used noun phrase to describe a large and often overwhelming quantity of documents. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives for strictly academic or scientific writing. When employing this phrase, aim to convey the magnitude and potential challenge associated with managing an extensive collection of files.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large volume of documents

Focuses on the quantity of documents, less emphasis on being overwhelming.

an extensive collection of files

Highlights the comprehensiveness of the file collection.

a huge accumulation of paperwork

Emphasizes the physical aspect of the files and the burden they represent.

a massive stack of documents

Implies a physical pile, suggesting disorganization.

an overwhelming amount of records

Highlights the burdensome nature of managing numerous records.

a plethora of files

Uses a more formal and literary term for abundance.

a sea of paperwork

Emphasizes the vastness and potentially chaotic nature of the files.

a wealth of documentation

Focuses on the richness and value of the documented information.

an abundance of records

Stresses the plentiful availability of records.

a profusion of files

Highlights the extravagant quantity of files.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mountain of files" to describe a large quantity of documents. For example: "After the acquisition, the legal team faced "a mountain of files" requiring review."

What can I say instead of "a mountain of files"?

Alternatives include "a large volume of documents", "an extensive collection of files", or "a huge accumulation of paperwork" depending on the context.

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

While "a mountain of files" is widely understood, it may be considered slightly informal for academic or highly professional contexts. In such cases, more neutral phrases like "a significant number of documents" are preferable.

What does "a mountain of files" imply?

The phrase "a mountain of files" implies not only a large quantity of files but also a sense of being overwhelmed or burdened by them. It suggests that the files may be difficult to manage or process due to their volume.