lot of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lot of paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a large quantity of paper, often in contexts related to printing, documentation, or paperwork. Example: "We need to order a lot of paper for the upcoming project to ensure we have enough for all the reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I've lost a lot of paper," he said plaintively.

The New Yorker

"I threw away a lot of paper," he joked.

The New York Times

There is, says one trader, a lot of "paper froth" supporting oil prices.

The Economist

All the buying, bribing and hoarding forces China to print a lot of paper money.

The New York Times

"In terms of capacity, you could fit a lot of paper in there," Mr. Carrier noted.

The New York Times

"A lot of paper clothing follows the same principles of origami," Hultquist says.

The New York Times

You're saving a lot of trees and keeping a lot of paper out of the landfill.

The New York Times - Tech

"I need to be indolent, to waste a lot of paper.

The New York Times - Books

"It was a lot of paper," said one former government lawyer who worked on the case.

The New York Times

That's a lot of paper, but it's nothing compared with what Edison left behind.

The New York Times

Even the technology companies store a lot of paper, he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impact, use "lot of paper" to highlight waste or conservation efforts. For example, "Switching to digital documents can save a lot of paper."

Common error

Avoid using "lot of paper" when referring to specific types or brands of paper. Instead, specify the type, such as "ream of printer paper" or "roll of kraft paper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lot of paper" functions as a noun phrase acting as an object or part of a prepositional phrase. It quantifies the amount of paper being discussed, often implying a significant or considerable quantity. As shown by Ludwig, it is suitable in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lot of paper" is a versatile phrase used to describe a substantial quantity of paper, suitable for various contexts from news reports to everyday discussions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. While "lot of paper" is generally appropriate, remember to consider more precise alternatives like "large amount of paper" or specify the type of paper for greater clarity. Whether discussing environmental concerns or office supplies, understanding the nuances of this phrase will improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large amount of paper

Replaces "lot" with "large amount", emphasizing quantity with slightly more formality.

plenty of paper

Substitutes "lot" with "plenty", indicating an ample supply, similar in tone and meaning.

abundance of paper

Replaces "lot" with "abundance", suggesting a plentiful or overflowing amount, carrying a slightly more formal tone.

large quantity of paper

Uses "large quantity" instead of "lot", offering a more precise and formal expression of amount.

significant amount of paper

Emphasizes the amount of paper as being noteworthy or considerable; a bit more emphatic than the original.

considerable amount of paper

Similar to "significant amount", highlights the noteworthiness of the paper quantity.

substantial amount of paper

Implies a large or important quantity of paper, adding a degree of formality.

heap of paper

Conveys a less formal sense of a disorganized pile or collection of paper.

stack of paper

Indicates paper neatly arranged one on top of another.

mountain of paper

Uses hyperbole to emphasize a very large and perhaps overwhelming quantity of paper.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "lot of paper" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "large amount of paper", "significant quantity of paper", or "substantial amount of paper".

Is it correct to say "lots of paper" instead of "lot of paper"?

Yes, "lots of paper" is a grammatically correct and commonly used alternative to "lot of paper". Both phrases indicate a large quantity of paper.

What is a more concise way to express "lot of paper"?

Depending on the context, you might use "ample paper" or "abundant paper" for a more concise expression, although these options might slightly alter the nuance.

When should I avoid using "lot of paper"?

Avoid using "lot of paper" when precision is needed. Instead of broadly stating "lot of paper", specify the exact quantity or type of paper involved, like "five reams of paper" or "a stack of legal-size paper".