is a stack of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a stack of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or collection of items that are piled or arranged in a stack. Example: "On the table, there is a stack of books waiting to be read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inside is a stack of papers.

The New Yorker

Beneath each smudge is a stack of magnets.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now, imagine that the United States is a stack of pancakes.

The New Yorker

On a wire rack, there is a stack of about 10 neatly folded towels.

The New York Times

On the mantel is a stack of glaze samples, luminescent slips on small rectangles.

The New York Times

The rectangular apparatus is a stack of growing beds, each about 20-feet long.

The Guardian

On a table across the room, behind the desk, is a stack of books.

The New York Times - Sports

On her bedside table, there is a stack of financial magazines.

The New York Times

Inside the lobby is a stack of Issue 1 posters, to be distributed throughout the city.

The Economist

This option is used when the input is a stack of virtual files.

Harvard University

The srclist is a stack of region specifications to be interpolated over.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a stack of" when you want to emphasize the physical arrangement or layering of multiple items. For example, "The device is a stack of interconnected components."

Common error

Avoid using "is a stack of" to describe abstract concepts or processes that aren't literally piled or layered. Instead of saying, 'The project is a stack of problems,' consider using phrases like 'The project presents numerous challenges'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a stack of" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically acting as a predicate nominative or adjective phrase within a sentence. It identifies or describes a subject by indicating that it comprises multiple items arranged in a stacked formation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this is a valid and widely used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a stack of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe multiple items arranged in a pile, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It’s most frequently used in news, media, academic and scientific contexts to illustrate the physical composition or arrangement of something. While it can be used formally, it's generally considered neutral in tone. When writing, remember that this phrase is best suited for concrete, physical arrangements rather than abstract concepts. Alternatives like "comprises" or "consists of" might be more appropriate for non-physical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consists of a pile of

Substitutes 'is a stack' with 'consists of a pile', changing both the verb and the specific arrangement noun while maintaining the overall meaning.

comprises a heap of

Replaces 'stack' with 'heap' and 'is' with 'comprises', altering the verb and noun to convey a similar accumulation.

there's a heap of

Switches to an existential construction starting with 'there's' and uses 'heap' instead of 'stack'.

is composed of a collection of

Replaces 'stack' with 'collection' and uses 'is composed of' instead of 'is a', making it a more formal and descriptive alternative.

is arranged as a mound of

Emphasizes the arrangement aspect with 'arranged' and replaces 'stack' with 'mound', slightly altering the image of the pile.

forms a mountain of

Uses 'mountain' instead of 'stack' to exaggerate the size of the accumulation and 'forms' to replace 'is a'.

is built from layers of

Focuses on the layered construction of the stack, using 'layers' to describe the arrangement.

constitutes a stockpile of

Employs 'stockpile' to suggest a reserve and 'constitutes' in place of 'is a', implying a significant quantity accumulated for later use.

includes an accumulation of

Uses 'accumulation' which is a broader term than 'stack' or 'pile' and replaces 'is' with 'includes' to suggest that it's part of something bigger.

features a cluster of

Replaces the concept of orderly stacking with 'cluster' for a less organized arrangement.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is a stack of" is used to describe a group of items that are arranged or piled on top of each other. For example, "On the table "is a stack of books"" or "The building "is a stack of cubes"".

What phrases are similar to "is a stack of"?

Similar phrases include "is a pile of", "consists of a series of", or "comprises a collection of". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

When is it inappropriate to use "is a stack of"?

It is generally inappropriate to use "is a stack of" when referring to abstract concepts or non-physical arrangements. Using alternatives like "consists of" or "comprises" might be more suitable.

Is there a difference between "is a stack of" and "is a pile of"?

While both phrases indicate a collection of items, "is a stack of" often implies a more orderly or intentional arrangement, whereas "is a pile of" suggests a more random or less organized arrangement.