an avalanche of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an avalanche of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is overwhelming in quantity or amount. For example: I was overwhelmed by the avalanche of emails that I received that morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tour yielded an avalanche of orders.

The New York Times

We received an avalanche of interesting responses.

The Washington Post

I had an avalanche of offers.

The Guardian

Her most recent column elicited an avalanche of reader responses.

The New York Times

Now an avalanche of lay-offs is in prospect.

The Economist

INVESTORS are being buried by an avalanche of bad news.

The Economist

It rumbles and clatters like an avalanche of boulders.

The New York Times

We do an avalanche of exercises, arid but necessary.

The New Yorker

Her worrisome conduct drew an avalanche of media coverage.

The Washington Post

There's an avalanche of sexual harassment in tech.

Harvard Business Review

Then, came an avalanche of whoops, cheers and whistles.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an avalanche of" to vividly depict a sudden and overwhelming influx of something, be it information, emotions, or objects. This phrase is especially effective when you want to emphasize the scale and impact of the influx.

Common error

Avoid using "an avalanche of" when describing a slow or gradual increase. The phrase implies a rapid and overwhelming arrival, so ensure the context aligns with this sense of suddenness and intensity. A slow accumulation is better described using phrases like 'a gradual increase' or 'a steady flow'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an avalanche of" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a large, overwhelming quantity of something. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing overwhelming amounts of information, responses, or even layoffs. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an avalanche of" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a sudden, overwhelming quantity or influx of something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility across different contexts, primarily in news, science, and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, careful consideration should be given to the specific tone required in formal settings. Remember, as Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the sheer volume and impact of what is being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deluge of

Replaces "avalanche" with "deluge", implying a flood-like quantity, with minor semantic variation.

a flood of

Similar to 'deluge', "flood" emphasizes the overflowing nature of the quantity, slightly changing the imagery.

a torrent of

Using "torrent" suggests a fast and powerful stream, altering the intensity of the image.

a cascade of

Employs "cascade" which suggests a falling flow, like a waterfall, shifting the visual metaphor.

a multitude of

Replaces the imagery with a more neutral term, "multitude", indicating a large number without the overwhelming sense.

a heap of

Shifts the image to a piled-up quantity, less dynamic than an avalanche, reducing the sense of overwhelming force.

an abundance of

Focuses on the plentiful nature of something, softening the overwhelming aspect.

a surplus of

Highlights having more than is needed, changing the focus from quantity to excess.

a mountain of

Uses "mountain" to signify a large accumulation, changing the specific image from an avalanche to a static pile.

a profusion of

Indicates a rich and extravagant quantity, slightly altering the tone to emphasize richness rather than overwhelming quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "an avalanche of" in a sentence?

You can use "an avalanche of" to describe a sudden, overwhelming quantity of something. For example, "The company received "an avalanche of complaints" after the product launch."

What are some alternatives to "an avalanche of"?

Alternatives include "a deluge of", "a flood of", or "a torrent of", all suggesting a large and overwhelming quantity.

Is it appropriate to use "an avalanche of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an avalanche of" can be used in formal writing, but consider the tone. While grammatically correct, its imagery may be too dramatic for some professional contexts. Alternatives like "a significant increase in" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "an avalanche of" and "a few"?

"An avalanche of" denotes a large, overwhelming quantity, while "a few" indicates a small number. They are antonyms, representing opposite ends of the quantity spectrum.