lot of paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lot of paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large amount of documents or forms that need to be completed or processed. Example: "After the meeting, I realized there was a lot of paperwork to complete before the project could move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a lot of paperwork".

The New Yorker

There was indeed a lot of paperwork.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of paperwork," he said.

The New York Times

"That's a lot of paperwork," he says.

The New York Times - Travel

"There's a lot of paperwork," McMullen said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It takes a lot of paperwork.

The New Yorker

It was a tremendous lot of paperwork.

The New York Times

"It would be a lot of paperwork," the official said.

The New York Times

"Quite frankly, it's just a lot of paperwork," Cornstein said.

The New York Times - Sports

And the grants also come with a lot of paperwork.

The New York Times

"I saw a lot of paperwork," she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid monotony, vary your language by occasionally substituting "lot of paperwork" with semantically similar phrases like "mountain of documents" or "substantial amount of red tape" /s/substantial+amount+of+red+tape.

Common error

Avoid passive constructions that obscure who is responsible for the paperwork. Instead of "A lot of paperwork is required", opt for "The department requires a lot of paperwork".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lot of paperwork" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a significant quantity of documents or forms required for a particular process or task. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples across various contexts where this phrase is used to denote administrative burden.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lot of paperwork" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe a large quantity of documents or administrative tasks, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, its formality can vary. In more formal settings, alternatives such as "extensive documentation" or "significant administrative burden" may be more suitable. The phrase primarily serves to describe a situation, often with an undertone of frustration, highlighting the burden of dealing with numerous documents. Its high frequency in news and media reflects its widespread use in everyday language. When writing, consider your audience and context, opting for more precise language when necessary to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial amount of red tape

Implies bureaucratic processes and obstacles.

mountain of documents

Emphasizes the large quantity using a metaphorical comparison.

heavy documentation burden

Highlights the onerous nature of the documentation requirements.

extensive documentation

Highlights the comprehensiveness and detail of the required documents.

paper-heavy process

Describes a process requiring significant amounts of paper.

complex regulatory requirements

Emphasizes compliance and the intricate nature of required paperwork.

considerable administrative tasks

Shifts focus from the physical documents to the actions required.

tons of forms to fill out

Informal alternative emphasizing the act of completing forms.

significant clerical work

Focuses on the labor-intensive aspect of dealing with paperwork.

extensive filing

Focuses on the act of filing and organizing numerous documents.

FAQs

How can I use "lot of paperwork" in a sentence?

You can use "lot of paperwork" to describe a situation involving many documents. For example: "Starting a business involves a "lot of paperwork"."

What are some alternatives to "lot of paperwork"?

Some alternatives include "extensive documentation", "substantial amount of red tape", or "mountain of documents", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a great deal of paperwork" or "lot of paperwork"?

"A great deal of paperwork" is slightly more formal than "lot of paperwork", but both are acceptable. The choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

What kind of jobs usually involve a "lot of paperwork"?

Jobs in fields like law, finance, healthcare, and government often involve a "lot of paperwork" due to regulatory requirements and documentation needs.