deck of cards

USAGE SUMMARY

'deck of cards' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical playing-card deck, or to refer symbolically to a set of resources or possibilities. For example: "He had a full deck of cards to play with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Imagine holding a deck of cards.

MIT Technology Review

A Bible 2. A deck of cards.

The New Yorker

It is smaller than a deck of cards.

The New York Times

The number 52 suggested a deck of cards.

The New York Times

All I needed was a deck of cards.

The New York Times

We hadn't even unwrapped the deck of cards.

The New York Times - Travel

Have you ever tried to order a deck of cards?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

giving the suits of a traditional Italian deck of cards.

University of California, Berkeley

A complete deck of cards is the standard "bulk" material.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Come to my casino, and bring a deck of cards.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Reproducing Copying all or selected information from one deck of cards to another deck of cards, possibly rearranging the fields.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deck of cards" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to chance, strategy, or a collection of possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "deck of cards" in contexts where the collection aspect is irrelevant or misleading. Opt for more specific terms when describing resources or options.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deck of cards" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a collection of playing cards used for various games and activities. As Ludwig AI suggests, it can also be used metaphorically to represent a set of possibilities or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

31%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deck of cards" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase with both literal and metaphorical usages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. Its frequency is "very common", appearing across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and wikis. When using the phrase, consider whether a literal or figurative interpretation is intended. Metaphorical uses should align with themes of chance or strategy. Related phrases include "pack of cards" and "playing cards". Overall, "deck of cards" is a versatile and well-understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pack of cards

This is a synonymous term, commonly used in British English.

playing cards

Focuses on the function rather than the collection of cards.

card deck

A slightly less common but acceptable variation.

set of cards

Emphasizes the completeness of the collection for a specific purpose.

complete deck

Highlights the fact that no cards are missing from the deck.

standard deck of playing cards

Specifies that the deck follows the conventional composition.

full set of playing cards

Indicates a collection is not missing any usual cards.

fifty-two cards

Refers to a standard deck of cards by the total number of cards in it.

shuffled deck

Indicates that the cards have been randomized.

tarot deck

Specifies a particular type of card set used for divination.

FAQs

How can I use "deck of cards" in a sentence?

You can use "deck of cards" to refer to a physical set of playing cards, as in "He shuffled the "deck of cards" before dealing." It can also be used metaphorically, such as in "Life dealt him a bad "deck of cards"".

What are some synonyms for "deck of cards"?

Synonyms include "pack of cards", "playing cards", or simply "cards", depending on the context. Consider also "set of cards".

Is it correct to say "a deck of card" instead of "a deck of cards"?

No, the correct phrase is "a "deck of cards"". The word "cards" should be plural because a deck contains multiple cards.

What is the difference between a "deck of cards" and a "card game"?

A ""deck of cards"" refers to the physical set of playing cards. A "card game" is the activity or game played using those cards.