basket of laundry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "basket of laundry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a container filled with clothes that need to be washed or have just been washed. Example: "After a long day, I finally tackled the basket of laundry that had been sitting in the corner for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She quarantined him on the second floor, and I caught glimpses of him carrying a basket of laundry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Fisher inhaled so much smoke that anguishing night that even now, she gets winded carrying a basket of laundry.

The New York Times

The soldier shook his head and poked his hand into a basket of laundry on a table between him and the woman.

The New Yorker

One night he became so engrossed returning e-mail messages to the Web site that he forgot his wife's request to take a basket of laundry to the basement.

The New York Times

At which point she buried her face in a basket of laundry and spat out this cultured pearl: "Daddy, please!

Huffington Post

In Sicko, for example, at the film's end, Michael is seen walking up the steps to the Capitol carrying a basket of laundry.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Women amble down the main street, balancing large baskets of laundry on their heads with seemingly little effort.

The New York Times - Travel

That's not insignificant when they make several trips each day, often with small children in tow or baskets of laundry atop their heads.

Science Magazine

I haul the basket of wet laundry to my backyard and balance it on the wobbly stool rescued from a curbside garbage pile years ago.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But as I scanned my house — with last night's dirty casserole dish left out in the open and a basket of clean laundry still needing to be stowed — I wasn't so sure.

The New York Times

ME: Has been walking by a basket of clean laundry for the past two weeks.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "basket of laundry" to specifically refer to clothes contained in a basket, either clean or dirty, ready for washing, or freshly washed. This is especially useful when describing household chores or routines.

Common error

Avoid using "basket of laundry" when you mean the act of washing clothes in general. Instead, use "doing laundry" or "washing clothes" to refer to the overall process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "basket of laundry" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a specific collection of clothes or linens contained within a basket. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe a tangible item.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basket of laundry" is a common noun phrase used to describe clothes contained within a basket, often in the context of household chores. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and suitable for various communication styles, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. The phrase's primary function is descriptive, serving to communicate information about a domestic setting or routine. While relatively frequent, it is important to use it appropriately, distinguishing it from broader concepts such as the general activity of "doing laundry".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laundry basket

Shortened version of the phrase, focusing on the container itself.

dirty clothes basket

Specifies that the basket contains dirty clothes.

clean laundry basket

Specifies that the basket contains clean clothes.

load of washing

Focuses on the amount of laundry rather than the container.

pile of laundry

Emphasizes the quantity and disorganization of the laundry.

hamper of clothes

Uses 'hamper' as an alternative to 'basket', implying a specific container.

clothes for washing

A general description of clothes needing to be washed, without specifying a container.

washing to be done

Highlights the task of washing clothes.

unsorted laundry

Focuses on the state of the laundry before washing.

mountain of clothes

Exaggerates the amount of clothes needing washing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "basket of laundry"?

You can use alternatives such as "laundry basket", "load of washing", or "pile of laundry" depending on the context.

What does "basket of laundry" typically contain?

A "basket of laundry" usually contains clothes and linens that are either waiting to be washed or have recently been washed, but it can also hold other textiles such as towels or bedding.

Is it correct to say "a laundry basket" instead of "basket of laundry"?

Yes, "laundry basket" is a common and correct way to refer to the container itself. "Basket of laundry" refers more to the contents within the basket.

How do I properly use "basket of laundry" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an action related to the laundry, like "I need to sort the "basket of laundry"" or to describe a state, like "The "basket of laundry" is overflowing".