a stack of coins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stack of coins" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a collection of coins that are piled on top of each other. Example: "He counted his savings and was pleased to see a stack of coins on the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Look through the telescope," she cries, jingling a stack of coins for the machine.

The Guardian

Snatch those golden candlesticks, slip the purse off that woman's belt, pick up a stack of coins from a gambling table.

The New York Times - Tech

People who reboot old movies are seen as hacks; cynical, idea-free megalomaniacs who'd happily stamp all over your childhood memories for a stack of coins.

The Guardian - Film

This finding has also been likened to a stack of coins on barium studies because of the uniformly thickened folds with a relatively parallel arrangement [23] (Fig. 11).

Insights into Imaging

c Spot film of single-contrast small bowel barium study shows straight small bowel folds thickening (arrow) and a stack of coins appearance Open image in new window Fig. 12 A 44-year-old male with HAE presenting with acute pancreatitis.

Insights into Imaging

If you need to sit in a chair, make sure both feet are flat on the ground and straighten your spine -- not straining it, but allow the spinal column to rest like a stack of coins.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

By 2015, expect to have to keep a stack of pound coins next to the dialysis machine in case the meter runs low.

Vice

Nevertheless, the overall "stack-of-coins" arrangement of the notochord cells and the morphogenetic events that characterize notochord differentiation, including the formation of vacuoles which eventually coalesce to form a hollow lumen, appear quite similar between these tunicates [ 27].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

But it's perfectly possible to flip that coin; indeed rather a big stack of coins.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Maybe the Lulzsec guys have a nice stack of coins waiting for them when they get out of jail".

The Guardian - Tech

Close-up of a calculator, stack of coins and one hundred US dollar bills.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical arrangements, use "a stack of coins" to convey a neat and orderly pile. For a more casual or less organized collection, consider "a pile of coins" or "a heap of coins".

Common error

Avoid using "a stack of coins" metaphorically when referring to abstract concepts like problems or tasks. Stick to the literal meaning of a physical arrangement of coins to maintain clarity and avoid confusing your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stack of coins" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing physical objects. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase can be used to describe a collection of coins piled on top of each other.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a stack of coins" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe multiple coins piled on top of each other. While Ludwig examples show that it appears across diverse sources from news media to scientific papers, its usage is relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness of the phrase. When writing, consider whether the orderly nature of a "stack" is the most accurate descriptor, or if alternatives like "pile" or "heap" might better suit the context. Its neutrality also makes it suitable for most writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pile of coins

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

a heap of coins

Substitutes "stack" with "heap", implying a more disorganized and larger quantity.

a collection of coins

Replaces "stack" with "collection", focusing on the coins as a group rather than their arrangement.

a mound of coins

Uses "mound" instead of "stack", suggesting a rounded, elevated accumulation.

a quantity of coins

Emphasizes the amount of coins, rather than the physical arrangement.

some loose change

Refers to coins as small sums of money, without emphasizing arrangement.

a handful of coins

Focuses on the quantity of coins that can be held in a hand.

a sum of coins

Highlights the total value of the coins.

spare change

Suggests coins that are not currently needed.

pocket money

Coins that a child gets as allowance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stack of coins" to describe a literal pile of coins, as in "He found "a stack of coins" under the couch cushions." It can also be used metaphorically, though less commonly.

What's the difference between ""a stack of coins"" and "a pile of coins"?

While similar, ""a stack of coins"" suggests a more orderly arrangement, while "a pile of coins" implies a less neat, perhaps haphazard, arrangement.

What can I say instead of "a stack of coins" to refer to money?

If you want to refer to a small amount of money, you could use phrases like "loose change", "spare change", or simply "some coins". These options don't necessarily imply a physical stack.

Is it correct to use ""a stack of coins"" to describe something other than money?

While primarily used for literal coins, you could use ""a stack of coins"" metaphorically to describe things that are piled neatly, like pancakes or papers but this usage is uncommon.