as a lump

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a lump" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is solid, heavy, or unyielding, often in a figurative sense. Example: "He sat there as a lump, not moving or responding to anyone around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How much should Bridie take as a lump sum?

The Guardian - Money

You couldn't take it all as a lump sum.

The Guardian - Money

You don't have to take our approach as a lump package.

Stanford University

Looking about as stable as a lump of plutonium, he shouted at Mancini.

The New York Times - Sports

You will not be refunded the full amount as a lump sum.

The Guardian

D.C.I.S. is too small to be detected as a lump by a woman or her doctor.

The New York Times - Health

Amount you can take as a lump sum to be doubled.

The Guardian

A homogenous green mound, it looked about as appealing as a lump of mown grass.

The New York Times - Food

To some people, the certificate may be as welcome as a lump of coal.

The New York Times - Science

Members of the scheme are able to take all their benefits as a lump sum at age 55.

The Economist

However, the sum gets cut significantly if each of the winners decides to take their prize as a lump sum.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a lump" when describing something that is taken or received in one undifferentiated amount. For example, "The inheritance was given to her as a lump sum."

Common error

While "as a lump" implies a single, consolidated amount, don't use it to describe something received over time. Instead, opt for phrases like 'in installments' or 'incrementally' for such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a lump" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by describing the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it often indicates a single, undifferentiated mass or amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

HuffPost

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a lump" functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing a singular, undifferentiated form or action. As Ludwig AI explains, its usage is grammatically correct and quite common, appearing in diverse contexts from news and science to academia. While generally neutral in tone, it is essential to use "as a lump" when highlighting a singular amount or action, differentiating it from incremental or piecemeal approaches. The phrase is commonly used and authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times demonstrate its diverse applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a solid mass

Emphasizes the physical consistency of a single entity, similar to "as a lump".

as a single unit

Highlights the unified nature of the subject.

as a block

Similar to "as a lump", but evokes a more structured or geometric shape.

as a whole

Changes the focus from a physical mass to a unified entity.

in one piece

Emphasizes integrity and wholeness rather than texture or shape.

in one go

Shifts the emphasis to the action of taking something at once, rather than the form it takes.

all at once

Focuses on the simultaneity of an action or event.

in bulk

Focuses on quantity and scale rather than shape or form.

in a single payment

Specifically refers to financial transactions, detailing how money is dispensed.

in total

Conveys the idea of a combined sum or quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "as a lump" in a sentence?

The phrase "as a lump" can be used to describe something received or given in a single, consolidated amount. For example, "She received her pension "as a lump" sum rather than in monthly installments."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as a lump"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in one go", "all at once", or "as a whole" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "as a lump"?

It's appropriate to use "as a lump" when you want to emphasize that something is being treated or considered as a single, undifferentiated unit. This is commonly used when referring to financial payments or physical objects.

Is there a difference between "as a lump sum" and "as a lump"?

While "as a lump" can be used more broadly, "as a lump sum" is specifically used in financial contexts to describe a single, one-time payment. The phrases are similar, but "as a lump sum" is much more specific to financial transactions.