a stack of cards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stack of cards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical arrangement of cards, often in a pile or collection, or metaphorically to refer to a situation involving multiple elements or tasks. Example: "She shuffled a stack of cards before dealing them to the players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Chuck Klosterman plans to release… a stack of cards?

The New Yorker

Chuck Klosterman plans to release... a stack of cards?

The New Yorker

With a stack of cards, a pack of Marlboros and a pot of tea before him, he waited for business.

The New York Times

A stack of cards with phone numbers of past contacts in Iran, all of them "seditionists," some of them now in prison.

The New Yorker

"The way they operate is, they go out with a stack of cards, the more aggressive the better," Mr. Salvatore said.

The New York Times

P..d off that its always the manager who is held responsible when a team of players fold like a stack of cards when the going gets tough!

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I cleared off my desk and set down a stack of card stock and a few Sharpies.

The New York Times

She sorted a stack of 50+ cards (like playing cards) that each had a value stated on them.

Science Magazine

He carries a stack of the cards, which he calls recipe cards.

The New Yorker

Monte is Spanish for "mountain," and a Mexican card game referred to the monte as a stack of playing cards left after the players had drawn their share.

The New York Times - Magazine

During this exercise, executives are given a stack of 12 cards with a single word or phrase on each card, such as "customer service" or "speed to market".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a stack of cards" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the multiple elements or tasks being referenced. For instance, "The project requirements read like a stack of cards, each presenting a new challenge."

Common error

Avoid using "a stack of cards" when referring to a single, unified task or concept. This phrase implies multiplicity, so using it inappropriately can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stack of cards" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence, referring to a collection of cards arranged in a pile. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a stack of cards" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a physical arrangement or serves as a metaphor for multiple elements or responsibilities. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various writing styles, maintaining a neutral tone. It frequently appears in News & Media as well as other source categories. Use this phrase to describe any arrangement of multiple cards or to create an image of instability when referring to a project or responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pile of cards

Replaces "stack" with "pile", suggesting a less ordered arrangement.

a collection of cards

Uses "collection" instead of "stack", emphasizing the gathering of cards.

a deck of cards

Refers specifically to a standard set of playing cards.

a bundle of cards

Substitutes "stack" with "bundle", implying a tied or closely gathered group.

a batch of cards

Replaces "stack" with "batch", suggesting a set prepared or grouped together.

a group of cards

Uses "group" instead of "stack", indicating a less structured arrangement.

a set of cards

Implies a complete or matching assortment of cards.

a heap of cards

Suggests a disorganized pile of cards.

an array of cards

Implies an ordered or displayed arrangement of cards.

a store of cards

Replaces "stack" with "store", meaning an accumulated quantity of cards.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stack of cards" to describe a physical arrangement of cards, like "He shuffled "a stack of cards" before dealing". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "Her responsibilities felt like "a stack of cards", ready to topple at any moment".

What are some alternatives to "a stack of cards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a pile of cards", "a collection of cards", or "a deck of cards".

Is it correct to say "a stack of card" instead of "a stack of cards"?

No, it's not correct. The noun should be pluralized since "stack" implies more than one card. The correct form is ""a stack of cards"".

What does it mean when someone says something 'fell like a stack of cards'?

It means something collapsed or failed quickly and easily, similar to how "a stack of cards" can easily topple over. It suggests instability and a swift downfall.