heaps of snow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heaps of snow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large amount of snow, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After the blizzard, there were heaps of snow piled up on the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I make great heaps of snow with the tractor, the kind I used to tunnel through as a kid.

The New York Times

The trucks lifted their plows and moved carefully backward, maneuvering between slanting cars and heaps of snow.

The New York Times

Colorado has been blanketed with heaps of snow recently, drawing late-season skiers to the backcountry but also increasing the risk of deadly slides.

The New York Times - Sports

The trees had suddenly grown old; the hilltops, coroneted white and frosted, looked like peaks in some Arctic land; with small heaps of snow on their protruding ledges, the dry-stone walls resembled woodcuts.

The Guardian

Here's a look back at my ridiculously inefficient effort to keep the toilets flushing by melting heaps of snow on the propane stove: After the remains of Hurricane Irene blasted our community in 2011, I began moving a plastic 55-gallon trash can into the upstairs bathroom ahead of big storms.

The New York Times

But down there, too, between the empty buildings and heaps of snow, we saw something much more heartwarming: headlights, dozens of them, moving along the road to Tamarack — people, going to play again, and going to work again, in Valley County.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But forget all that, at least while you're listening to the whoosh of blown bamboo and watching the boughs of woody bushes balance heaping hats of snow.

The New York Times

I was a bit stymied by the heap of snow before me when all of a sudden I was surrounded by a gaggle of rugged construction guys.

The New York Times

Directly across from the Trump International Hotel and Tower, the heap of snow might have been ordered to that height by Donald Trump himself.

The New York Times

It's a technical term — a heap of snow (my non-technical expression) combined with winds gusting over thirty-five miles per hour and visibility reduced below a quarter mile, according to the National Weather Service.

The New Yorker

By the end, 'there was no mound of snow or heap of rubbish that did not have an arm or leg protruding from it,' wrote one observer.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heaps of snow" to add a touch of informality or emphasis when describing substantial snow accumulations, particularly in descriptive or narrative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "heaps of snow" in formal or technical writing; opt for more precise and neutral terms like "significant snow accumulation" or "substantial snowfall" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heaps of snow" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a quantity of snow. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

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, "heaps of snow" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a significant amount of snow. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's best suited for informal contexts or descriptive writing in news and media. For formal or technical writing, alternatives such as "substantial snowfall" or "significant snow accumulation" are more appropriate. The phrase is relatively common, appearing in various news sources and online articles. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose the phrasing that best suits the formality and purpose of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snow heaps

A simple reversal of words that retains a similar meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

lots of snow

A more common and slightly less emphatic way of expressing a large amount of snow.

snow piles

A more straightforward and descriptive way of expressing a significant amount of snow.

piles of snow

Implies a more structured or deliberately accumulated quantity of snow.

masses of snow

Emphasizes the sheer volume and weight of the snow.

mountains of snow

Suggests an extremely large and imposing quantity of snow, often hyperbolic.

snowdrifts

Refers specifically to snow accumulated by wind action.

huge quantities of snow

A more formal and descriptive alternative that stresses the immensity of the volume.

snow accumulations

Refers to the general amount of snow that has collected in an area.

deep snow

Implies the considerable depth of the snow cover.

FAQs

What does "heaps of snow" mean?

The phrase "heaps of snow" refers to a large quantity or accumulation of snow, often implying that it's more than usual.

What can I say instead of "heaps of snow"?

You can use alternatives like "lots of snow", "piles of snow", or "masses of snow" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "heaps of snow"?

Yes, "heaps of snow" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase. It's generally considered informal but acceptable in many contexts.

What is the difference between "heaps of snow" and "a lot of snow"?

"Heaps of snow" is more informal and emphasizes a larger quantity, while "a lot of snow" is more neutral and commonly used. They are often interchangeable, but "heaps of snow" has a slightly stronger emphasis.