load of hay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "load of hay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of hay, often in agricultural or farming contexts. Example: "The farmer prepared a load of hay to feed the livestock during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Ages passed slowly, like a load of hay,.

The New Yorker

Now when I drive home with a load of hay bales, I'm surrounded by pickups that have a certain mother-ship quality.

The New York Times

MacDonald and her husband have been buying in a semi-trailer load of hay every fortnight since Christmas – they lose that expense just because the price has dropped.

The Guardian

I had driven across the valley at 7 30 and up onto the skyline farm for a load of hay, the fifth or sixth in a week of 14-mile round trips for hay.

The New York Times

By John Ashbery The New Yorker, December 23 , 1985P. 36 Ages passed slowly, like a load of hay, View Article John Ashbery (1927-2017) began publishing poetry in The New Yorker in 1972.

The New Yorker

Fassel punctuated each photo opportunity by slapping Joseph on his massive shoulders and smiling as if he were a farmer pounding on the side of a load of hay, thoroughly satisfied with his crop.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I can still see the enormous loads of hay coming into the barns in the evening — I've never seen loads of hay like that anywhere else".

The New Yorker

Men walked down from the heights with huge loads of hay on their backs.

The New Yorker

From early morning until late at night they are on the move, carrying heavy loads of hay or firewood on their backs.

The Guardian - Travel

Women walk with loads of hay or firewood on their heads, and you see shepherds driving a herd of cattle or goats right on the road.

The New York Times

At Glastonbury he would string up his flags, get loads of hay bales, have a big campfire – there'd be 24-hour music and he'd be DJ-ing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "load of hay", consider the context and audience. While generally acceptable, ensure it aligns with the tone and formality of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "load of hay" too frequently in modern, non-agricultural contexts where more precise measurements or descriptions might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "load of hay" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a quantity of hay, typically the amount that can be transported or carried at one time. Ludwig examples show usage in describing farming activities, transportation, and historical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "load of hay" is a common noun phrase that refers to a quantity of hay, typically the amount that can be transported or carried at one time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience when using it. Alternatives like "hay bale" or "haystack" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. Remember to avoid overuse in modern contexts where more precise descriptions are needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wagonload of hay

Specifies the carrying capacity of a wagon, adding context to the amount of hay.

truckload of hay

Specifies the carrying capacity of a truck, adding context to the amount of hay.

hay bale

Refers to a compressed bundle of hay, representing a standardized unit rather than a general quantity.

haystack

Indicates a large, piled stack of hay, emphasizing volume and storage rather than transport.

hay shipment

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of transporting hay, suitable in business contexts.

hay cargo

Similar to "hay shipment", but suggests a larger quantity, like that transported by ship or train.

batch of hay

Highlights the hay as a group or set produced at the same time.

consignment of hay

Emphasizes the dispatch of hay, typically for commercial purposes.

hay delivery

Highlights the act of taking hay to a particular place or person.

hay supply

Focuses on the availability of hay rather than a specific quantity being transported.

FAQs

How can I use "load of hay" in a sentence?

You can use "load of hay" to describe a large quantity of hay being transported or used. For example: "The farmer drove a "wagonload of hay" to the barn."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "load of hay"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hay bale", "haystack", or "hay shipment".

Is it correct to use "loads of hay" instead of "load of hay"?

Yes, "loads of hay" is grammatically correct and simply indicates multiple instances of a "load of hay". It emphasizes quantity more than a single "load".

In what contexts is "load of hay" most appropriate?

The phrase "load of hay" is most appropriate in agricultural or historical contexts, where hay is a common commodity. In modern settings, consider if a more specific unit or measurement is needed.