in a stack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a stack" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when describing objects that are piled or placed on top of one another in a vertical manner. Example: The books were neatly arranged in a stack on the shelf. Another example: She found her favorite shirt buried in a stack of laundry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Multiple interactions in a stack are discarded.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

"Your dad must be laying in a stack of it.

The New Yorker

And in a stack of his letters, they found street addresses.

The New York Times - Arts

His wife, Shannon, found the letter in a stack of mail.

The New Yorker

"I was coming to London in a plane, held in a stack for forty-five minutes.

The New Yorker

Some commands, however, cannot be performed on individual volumes without affecting all volumes in a stack.

Harvard University

For years, they languished in a Long Island garage, old canvasses piled in a stack.

The New York Times - Arts

The baby-back ribs come in a stack — sweet, hot, charred, and far from lean.

The New Yorker

This has resulted – as Nichols has acknowledged – in a stack of his unproduced plays.

The Guardian

The future was concealed in a stack of 85 red envelopes.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It can be a row of bookcases or the soaring shelves in a stack-'em-high megastore.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a stack" to describe items arranged vertically on top of each other. Ensure the context implies a degree of order or deliberate arrangement.

Common error

Avoid using "in a stack" when describing a disorganized or haphazard collection of items. Use terms like "in a pile" or "in a heap" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a stack" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to describe the arrangement of items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to indicate that objects are vertically aligned one atop another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

16%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a stack" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe items arranged vertically, one on top of another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's most commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "in a stack", ensure that the context implies a degree of order rather than a haphazard arrangement. Alternatives like "in a pile" or "in a heap" are more appropriate for describing disorganized collections. Overall, "in a stack" is a common and reliable phrase suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a pile

Refers to a heap of items, similar to a stack but less ordered.

in a heap

Implies a disordered collection, unlike the organized nature of a stack.

arranged in layers

Focuses on the layered arrangement, emphasizing the structure of the stack.

one on top of another

Describes the vertical arrangement, similar to a stack.

stacked together

Highlights the action of stacking items.

in a collection

Indicates a group of items, without specifying the arrangement.

arranged vertically

Focuses on the vertical arrangement, inherent to a stack.

piled high

Emphasizes the height of the stack.

in tiers

Highlights a tiered arrangement, a type of stack.

in an array

Implies an organized arrangement, which a stack can be.

FAQs

How can I use "in a stack" in a sentence?

You can use "in a stack" to describe items neatly arranged vertically, such as "The pancakes were served "in a stack" on the plate".

What's the difference between "in a stack" and "in a pile"?

"In a stack" implies a more orderly arrangement, while "in a pile" suggests a less organized, more haphazard collection. It's like the difference between carefully arranged books and books thrown "in a heap".

What are some alternatives to saying "in a stack"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "arranged "one on top of another"", "in layers", or "stacked together".

Is "in a stack" formal or informal?

"In a stack" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing.