is a mouthful of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a mouthful of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to say or pronounce, often referring to a long or complex word or phrase. Example: "The name of the chemical compound is a mouthful of syllables that most people struggle to pronounce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Each name is a mouthful of information.

The New York Times

The lasagna is a mouthful of rubber.

The Guardian - Books

What you will taste is a mouthful of oak.

The New York Times - Food

"Master," a Foundry Theater production at the Irondale Theater Center, is a mouthful of a multihyphenate work: an intimate-immersive-multimedia-performance art exhibition and play.

The New York Times

The Metropolitan Museum Artists in Concert is a mouthful of a name for a group of young musicians who have struck a deal with the museum and created a chamber music series.

The New York Times - Arts

LE RELAIS DE VENISE L'ENTRECÔTE is a mouthful of a restaurant that opened a few months ago in a canyon at Lexington Avenue and 52nd Street, convenient mostly to hotel guests and hamsters on the Midtown professional wheel.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Whew, there's a mouthful of backdrop info.

The New York Times

That's a mouthful of a title once, again more or less summing up the whole story.

Princeton University

Crunchy, soggy, buttery, velvety and woodsy - that's a mouthful of mushrooms on toast.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a mouthful of honey in every bite of these nectarines, called Flying Saucers for their flattish shape.

The New York Times

I forgot to take one morning's worth of supplements prescribed by my doctor (and my wife), and my lunchtime reward was a mouthful of badness.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a mouthful of" when you want to emphasize that something, like a name or a title, is long, complicated, or difficult to say or remember. This phrase adds a touch of informality and humor to your writing, making it more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "is a mouthful of" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing your sentences to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a mouthful of" functions as a descriptive idiom. It qualifies a noun phrase, indicating that the described entity (e.g., a name, title, or phrase) is lengthy, complex, or difficult to pronounce. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a mouthful of" serves as an idiom used to describe something lengthy, complex, or difficult to pronounce, as affirmed by Ludwig AI's grammatical assessment. It is versatile and commonly found in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives in strictly academic or professional settings. Consider related phrases like "is quite a mouthful" or "is difficult to articulate" for nuanced expression. When employing "is a mouthful of", be mindful of overuse to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite a mouthful

Emphasizes the degree of being lengthy or complex.

is difficult to articulate

Focuses on the difficulty in expressing something.

is hard to say

Highlights the challenge in pronunciation or expression.

is a complex expression

Emphasizes the intricacy of the phrase.

is a long-winded phrase

Highlights the length and potential tediousness of the expression.

is excessively verbose

Focuses on the unnecessary use of many words.

is rather elaborate

Emphasizes the complexity and detailed nature.

is a bit convoluted

Highlights the intricacy and difficulty in understanding.

is something of a tongue-twister

Focuses on the difficulty in pronouncing the phrase correctly.

is a challenge to pronounce

Specifically mentions the pronunciation aspect of the phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "is a mouthful of" in a sentence?

You can use "is a mouthful of" to describe something that's long or difficult to say. For example, "The scientific name for that plant is a mouthful of syllables" or "That legal document is a mouthful of jargon".

What's a more formal alternative to "is a mouthful of"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is a complex term", "is a lengthy expression", or "is difficult to articulate". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "is a mouthful of" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is a mouthful of" is generally considered informal. It's better suited for less formal contexts. In academic writing, opt for more precise and formal language such as "is a complex nomenclature".

Which is correct, "is a mouthful of" or "is quite a mouthful"?

Both "is a mouthful of" and "is quite a mouthful" are correct and commonly used. The addition of "quite" simply adds emphasis to the length or complexity of what's being described.