a stack of papers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a stack of papers' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a group of papers that are pressed and held together, usually in a pile. For example, "I have a stack of papers I need to go through before the end of the day".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside is a stack of papers.

The New Yorker

One, a woman, clutched a stack of papers.

The New Yorker

He stared down at a stack of papers he had brought with him.

The New York Times - Magazine

A stack of papers is strewn on the table, and I am ignoring them.

The New York Times

He stood up, collected his empty water bottle and a stack of papers.

The New York Times

One morning this summer, Leshchenko pulled out a stack of papers: the Manafort ledgers.

The New Yorker

His poems were mostly short, read from a stack of papers in his hand.

The Guardian - Music

But after about twenty minutes he took off his earphones and went back to studying a stack of papers.

The New Yorker

Behind his desk was a stack of papers, topped by a book by Mr. Haider outlining his right-wing politics.

The New York Times

A stack of papers, some highlighter pens, and a couple of cell phones were on the table.

The New Yorker

He pointed to a stack of papers on his desk, closing documents for the Trump International Hotel & Tower.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid repetition, try using synonyms like "pile of documents" or "batch of reports" depending on the specific context.

Common error

While both "stack" and "pile" can describe a collection of papers, "stack" implies a more orderly arrangement. Using "pile" when a neat arrangement is intended can be misleading. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the physical arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stack of papers" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a collection of paper documents, Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, such as describing items on a desk or documents being handled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stack of papers" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a collection of paper documents. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in News & Media and academic contexts. While neutral in tone, the surrounding context usually dictates its formality. For variety, consider using alternatives such as "pile of documents" or "batch of reports" depending on the specific situation. When using the term, remember that "stack" suggests a more orderly arrangement than "pile".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pile of documents

Replaces "stack" with "pile" and "papers" with "documents", emphasizing the unorganized nature of the collection.

batch of reports

Specifies the type of papers as "reports", implying a more formal or business-related context.

collection of files

Uses "collection" instead of "stack", indicating a more organized gathering of documents.

group of sheets

Replaces "papers" with "sheets", referring to individual pieces of paper, not necessarily documents.

accumulation of records

Implies a gradual gathering of "records", suggesting a more historical or archival context.

assortment of leaflets

Specifies the type of papers as "leaflets", indicating promotional or informational material.

bundle of pages

Uses "bundle" instead of "stack", suggesting a tied or fastened collection of "pages".

heap of notes

Refers to informal writings using "notes", implying a less formal context compared to papers.

set of forms

Specifies the type of papers as "forms", indicating a structured document with fields to fill.

mountain of paperwork

Emphasizes a large and overwhelming quantity of documents using a more figurative comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stack of papers" to describe a quantity of documents, like in the sentence "He sorted through "a stack of papers" on his desk."

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

"A stack of papers" implies a somewhat neat arrangement, while "a pile of papers" suggests a more disorganized heap. The choice depends on the visual you want to create for the reader.

What can I say instead of "a stack of papers"?

You can use alternatives like "pile of documents", "batch of reports", or "collection of files" depending on the context.

Is "a stack of papers" formal or informal?

"A stack of papers" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and situation will dictate the overall formality.