heap of words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heap of words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large amount of text or a collection of words that may seem excessive or disorganized. Example: "The essay was just a heap of words without any clear argument or structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Each of us reads and acts out a stanza or two of Atkins' baroque, labyrinthine and wormy text, a composted dung-heap of words and phrases that provides the stream of consciousness of his avatar.

The Guardian - Arts

Monotype Caecilia was grim and Calvinist; it had a way of reducing everything to arbitrary heaps of words.

The New Yorker

On the one hand, gonzo domesticity: youngish men, thrown together and obliged to deal in their purest currencies — alcohol, drugs, and, more addictive still, a heap of dirty words.

The New Yorker

Communication is the glue that can help us discover or rediscover belief, but without trust in the veracity and sincerity of that communication, we're left with what amounts to a heap of meaningless words.

Huffington Post

We have plenty of words for a large amount – a host, a flood, a pile, a mass, a heap, a multitude – and we don't need another.

Independent

Asked Wednesday during NBC's Commander-in-Chief forum in New York for his strategy to defeat ISIS, the real estate mogul doled out a heaping portion of word salad ― claiming he both did and did not have a plan, which could ultimately change once he speaks with the nation's generals.

Huffington Post

When daylight rose, it showed a scene of great confusion, with Sirius and Magicienne grounded in the approaches to the harbour, the French ships "on shore in a heap" in the words of Captain Pym, Iphigenia slowly pulling herself away from the French squadron and Nereide lying broken and battered under the guns of Bellone, a Union Flag nailed to her masthead.

Wikipedia

Look up 'your word' synonyms and there will be heaps of juicy new words to use! Give the scene some spice and zest to it.

WikiHow

(Smith) ★ Museum of Modern Art: 'Ecstatic Alphabets/Heaps of Language' (through Aug. 27) In a drawing from 1966, "Heaps of Language," Robert Smithson assembled a pyramid of words about words: "Language" at the apex, supported by "phraseology speech," "tongue lingo vernacular" and on down through a base of synonyms.

The New York Times - Arts

(Schwendener) ★ Museum of Modern Art: 'Ecstatic Alphabets/Heaps of Language' (closes on Monday) In a drawing from 1966, "Heaps of Language," Robert Smithson assembled a pyramid of words about words: "Language" at the apex, supported by "phraseology speech," "tongue lingo vernacular" and on down through a base of synonyms.

The New York Times - Arts

In a drawing from 1966, "Heaps of Language," Robert Smithson assembled a pyramid of words about words: "Language" at the apex, supported by "phraseology speech," "tongue lingo vernacular," and on down through a base of synonyms.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heap of words" when you want to convey that a collection of words is large and possibly disorganized or meaningless. Consider the context and whether a more precise term might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid relying on vague phrases like "heap of words" when you can be more specific. Instead of saying a document is just a "heap of words", identify what makes it so, such as excessive jargon, redundancy, or lack of clear structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heap of words" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a collection of words viewed collectively, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Encyclopedias

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Wiki

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heap of words" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a large quantity of words, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express criticism about the quality or organization of the words. While not inherently incorrect, it can be considered informal. Due to the limited real-world examples, its usage is hard to determine. Consider more precise alternatives when greater clarity is required. Keep in mind that while there are many instances in similar form, none of them are exact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abundance of words

Replaces "heap" with a more formal term, focusing on the plentiful nature of the words.

plethora of words

Substitutes "heap" with "plethora", indicating a large or excessive amount of words.

mountain of words

Uses "mountain" to convey a large and overwhelming quantity of words.

overabundance of words

Similar to "abundance", but stresses the excessive nature of the word count.

mass of words

Replaces "heap" with "mass", suggesting a large, undifferentiated quantity of words.

profusion of words

Highlights the extravagant or unrestrained quantity of words.

collection of words

More neutral term implying a grouping of words, without the negative connotation of disorganization.

jumble of words

Emphasizes the disorganized and confused nature of the words.

welter of words

Suggests a chaotic and confusing mass of words.

surfeit of words

Implies an excessive amount of words, often to the point of being undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "heap of words" in a sentence?

You can use "heap of words" to describe a large quantity of text that lacks coherence or meaning. For example, "The presentation was just a "heap of words", making it difficult to understand the main points."

What is a more formal alternative to "heap of words"?

A more formal alternative to "heap of words" could be "abundance of words" or "plethora of words", which convey a large quantity in a more sophisticated manner.

When should I avoid using the phrase "heap of words"?

Avoid using "heap of words" when you need to be precise and specific. In those cases, it’s better to describe the exact issue with the text, such as its lack of organization or clarity.

Is "heap of words" a negative or positive description?

"Heap of words" is generally a negative description, implying that the words are excessive, disorganized, or lacking in meaning. It is usually used critically.