flood of

USAGE SUMMARY

'flood of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a large and overwhelming amount or quantity of something, as in the example sentence: I was overwhelmed by the flood of emails I got in response to my post.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flood of Fire.

The Economist

A flood of imitations followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a flood of changes.

The New York Times - Travel

That caused a flood of bond sales.

The New York Times

A flood of equally dubious patents followed.

The Economist

The flood of people doesn't end.

The New York Times

Mentions the big flood of 1913.

The New Yorker

A Flood of Fungal Problems?

Cornell University

A flood of wickets, though?

The Guardian - Sport

It's the flood of records.

The Guardian - Music

A flood of lawsuits followed.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flood of" to describe a large and often sudden influx or outpouring of something. It works well for both tangible and intangible items, like "flood of emails" or "flood of tears".

Common error

While "flood of" is common, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced vocabulary that reflects the specific context more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flood of" typically functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying the noun to indicate a large quantity. It acts as an intensifier, emphasizing the abundance of something. As Ludwig indicates, the structure is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

20%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flood of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a large quantity or overwhelming influx, as confirmed by Ludwig. Appearing most frequently in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When aiming for greater precision or formality, consider alternatives like "deluge of" or "abundance of". While the phrase is generally appropriate, avoid overuse, especially in formal documents. Ludwig provides ample examples showcasing the breadth of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deluge of

Implies a sudden and overwhelming amount, similar to "flood of" but perhaps with a more negative or chaotic connotation.

onslaught of

Suggests a forceful and often aggressive arrival of something, differing in intensity but still conveying abundance.

barrage of

Similar to "onslaught", implying a continuous and overwhelming stream.

glut of

Indicates an excessive supply, often leading to lower value or problems.

surfeit of

Like "glut", but can also refer to an overabundance of something desirable.

profusion of

Suggests a rich and generous supply, often with positive connotations.

abundance of

A general term for a large quantity, lacking the overwhelming sense of "flood".

plethora of

Indicates a great number or variety, often used for choices or options.

host of

Implies a large number of people or things, often associated with an organized group.

mountain of

Suggests an accumulation of something tangible, like paperwork or debt.

FAQs

How can I use "flood of" in a sentence?

You can use "flood of" to describe a large quantity or sudden influx of something, such as "The company received a "flood of applications" after the job posting" or "A "flood of memories" rushed back as I walked through my old neighborhood".

What are some synonyms for "flood of"?

Alternatives to "flood of" include "deluge of", "onslaught of", "barrage of", or "abundance of depending on the specific context".

Is it appropriate to use "flood of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "flood of" might be considered less formal. In academic or professional contexts, consider more precise terms like "large number of", "significant amount of", or "substantial quantity of".

What's the difference between "flood of" and "stream of"?

"Flood of" implies a larger, more overwhelming quantity than "stream of", which suggests a continuous but perhaps less intense flow.