a mountain of ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mountain of ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity or accumulation of ice, often in a metaphorical sense to emphasize the size or impact of something. Example: "After the blizzard, we were left with a mountain of ice blocking the driveway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

His trip, he said, had melted a "mountain of ice".

The Economist

They can't even bring you a glass of water without a mountain of ice".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In their images, food functions as a subversive, suggestive prop — a toad wedged between a burger bun, a mountain of ice cream adorned with cigarette buds.

The New Yorker

The corner spot, which fronts the busy but unseen kitchen, is a mountain of ice piled with clusters of sealed mussel and clam shells.

The New York Times

Sometimes all this energy is a good thing, as in the wonderful tuna tartare, which is served in a glass bowl embedded in a mountain of ice.

The New York Times - Food

I'm wary of icy sidewalks, so the thought of having lunch on a mountain of ice 1,000 feet thick tends to chill my appetite.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Some of my companions also liked the deep-fried banana in wonton skins, accompanied by a mountain of vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

The New York Times

The obvious difference between a drink you'd order at Eleven Madison Park versus its fun younger brother, is that these Explosions come complete with items like Barbies, whale toys, and jungle birds perched on a mountain of pebble ice.

Forbes

Using a doorknob bit, he blasts holes into blocks of ice to make what he calls "an abstract mountain of ice that has caves in it and ledges". Oysters are served on this mountain.

The New York Times - Food

It's the best example in the solar system of a cryovolcano, a mountain made of ice that spews water instead of magma.

Science Magazine

The house signature dessert is hula pie with an Oreo cookie crust, a mountain of macadamia nut ice cream and a chocolate fudge topping.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mountain of ice" to create a vivid image of something massive and cold, either literally or metaphorically. It’s effective in descriptive writing to emphasize scale and impact.

Common error

Don't use "a mountain of ice" when "a large problem" or "a difficult obstacle" would be more appropriate. Overusing the icy metaphor can dilute its impact and seem cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mountain of ice" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often serves as a descriptive element within a sentence, providing a vivid image of scale and coldness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and effectively conveys a sense of size and impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mountain of ice" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict a large accumulation of ice or to metaphorically represent a significant obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by science-related content, and its purpose is to create a strong, visual image. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and avoid overuse in situations where a simpler description would suffice. Alternatives like "vast expanse of ice" or "towering ice mass" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Towering ice mass

Highlights the height and bulk of the ice, very similar in imagery.

Vast expanse of ice

Focuses on the extensive area covered by ice, rather than its vertical height.

Huge ice formation

Emphasizes the size and structure of the ice, less metaphorical than the original.

Immense glacier

Refers specifically to a large, moving body of ice, a more precise term.

Colossal ice structure

More formal, emphasizing the constructed or natural aspect of the ice formation.

Giant iceberg

Specifically refers to a large piece of ice floating in water, less general.

Extensive ice field

Indicates a broad, flat area covered in ice, differing in shape.

Massive ice block

Focuses on a single, large piece of ice.

Large frozen accumulation

A more literal and less evocative description.

Substantial ice deposit

Suggests a significant amount of ice accumulated over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mountain of ice" to describe a literal accumulation of ice, such as "After the storm, there was "a mountain of ice" blocking the road", or metaphorically, like "Their relationship faced "a mountain of ice" after the argument".

What's the difference between "a mountain of ice" and "an iceberg"?

"A mountain of ice" is a general term for a large quantity of ice, while "an iceberg" specifically refers to a large piece of ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice shelf and is floating in the ocean.

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

You can use alternatives like "vast expanse of ice", "towering ice mass", or "huge ice formation" depending on the specific context and imagery you want to create.

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

Yes, ""a mountain of ice"" can be used in formal writing, especially when descriptive language is desired. However, consider the overall tone and purpose of your writing and whether a more literal or technical term would be more suitable.