a stack of books

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stack of books" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a collection of books that are piled on top of each other. Example: "She walked into the room and noticed a stack of books on the table, waiting to be read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A stack of books in place of an end table.

The New York Times

I've got a stack of books to get through on my next trip.

Independent

"It means 'bounce really, really fast.' " Marclay ended up with a stack of books.

The New Yorker

(Never mind that a stack of books under each foot could provide the same benefits).

The New Yorker

Boris, the shop cat, sits atop a stack of books in a store in Glasgow, Scotland.

The New Yorker

Bernie was a true renaissance man, never far from a stack of books or a thesaurus.

The New York Times

On top of the nightstand are a stack of books and a Tizio lamp.

The New York Times - Style

At each event, though, he stays long enough to sign a stack of books for supporters.

The New York Times

On a table across the room, behind the desk, is a stack of books.

The New York Times - Sports

Andrea keeps her mother's letters under a stack of books in her room.

The New York Times

On his small desk were two laptops, a stack of books about Buddhism, and an overflowing ashtray.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stack of books" as a visual metaphor to represent a large amount of knowledge or information.

Common error

Avoid saying "a stack of books on" when you simply mean "a stack of books". The preposition is unnecessary unless specifying what the stack is resting upon, for example, "a stack of books on the table."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stack of books" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a stack of books" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe multiple books piled on top of each other. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While seemingly simple, it effectively conveys a visual image and can symbolize knowledge or intellectual pursuits. Consider alternatives like "a pile of books" or "a collection of books" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be careful not to misuse prepositions with the phrase. This phrase scores high in expert rating due to its correctness, source authority, and consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pile of books

This alternative uses "pile" instead of "stack", suggesting a less organized arrangement.

a collection of books

This alternative emphasizes the grouping of books rather than their physical arrangement.

a heap of books

This alternative uses "heap", implying a more disordered and less neat arrangement than a "stack".

a mountain of books

This alternative uses "mountain" to exaggerate the size and quantity of books.

an array of books

This alternative suggests a diverse and organized display of books.

a selection of books

This alternative focuses on the choice or variety of books available.

a tower of books

This alternative uses "tower" to emphasize the height and precariousness of the book arrangement.

books piled high

This is a more descriptive phrase that highlights the act of piling and the resulting height.

several books stacked together

This alternative provides a more detailed description of the physical arrangement of the books.

an accumulation of books

This alternative emphasizes the gradual gathering of books over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a stack of books" in a sentence?

You can use "a stack of books" to describe a pile of books, such as "There was "a stack of books" on the desk waiting to be read."

What are some alternatives to saying "a stack of books"?

Some alternatives include "a pile of books", "a collection of books", or "a heap of books", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a stack of book" instead of "a stack of books"?

No, it is not correct. "Stack" refers to multiple items, so you should use the plural form "books". The correct phrase is ""a stack of books"".

What does "a stack of books" often symbolize in literature?

"A stack of books" can symbolize knowledge, learning, intellectual curiosity, or even a character's studious nature. It often represents a character's interests and values, or the weight of accumulated knowledge.