lump of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lump of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a large amount of something, often a solid mass. For example, "He scooped a lump of dough out of the bowl and began to knead it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was his lump of clay.

The New York Times

Hence the lump of coal.

The New York Times

"It's just a lump of bricks, essentially".

The New Yorker

A lump of boursin costs the same.

The New York Times

He looked like a lump of meat.

The Guardian

And a lump of jawbone too, perhaps.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a pulsing lump of architectural Viagra.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A kind of lump of heart.

The Guardian - Film

I was her lump of clay.

The New York Times

THE LUMP OF COAL By Lemony Snicket.

The New York Times

It's a lump of bloody foam!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lump of", ensure the noun that follows accurately describes the form and consistency of the substance. For example, "lump of clay" suggests a malleable mass, while "lump of coal" implies a solid, brittle piece.

Common error

Avoid using "lump of" with abstract concepts or non-physical nouns. For instance, it's incorrect to say "lump of happiness"; instead, use phrases like "sense of happiness" or "feeling of happiness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lump of" primarily functions as a noun modifier, specifically used to describe the physical form or quantity of a substance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples like "lump of coal" and "lump of clay" illustrate its use in specifying the state of matter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lump of" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an irregularly shaped mass or quantity of something. As Ludwig AI states, its usage is widespread. While it is versatile, it's more appropriate for neutral or informal contexts like news and general writing, less so for formal or scientific discourse. When you need to specify a compact mass of substance, phrases like "mass of" or "piece of" may serve as viable alternatives depending on desired precision. Just ensure that you're applying it to physical nouns and are consistent with its slightly informal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mass of

Replaces "lump" with a more general term for a large quantity, keeping the structure similar.

clump of

Similar to "lump", but often used for things that stick together.

chunk of

Substitutes "lump" with "chunk", suggesting a roughly cut or broken piece.

piece of

Uses a more generic term for a portion, suitable when the specific form is not important.

wad of

Implies a compressed or rolled mass, usually of a soft material.

block of

Suggests a solid, rectangular mass.

portion of

Refers to a share or serving, emphasizing division from a whole.

heap of

Describes an unordered pile or mound.

dollop of

Refers to a small, rounded mass, typically of a soft or viscous substance.

gob of

Suggests a sticky or viscous mass.

FAQs

How can I use "lump of" in a sentence?

You can use "lump of" to describe a compact mass of something. For example, "He found a "lump of gold" in the river" or "She added a "lump of sugar" to her tea".

What are some alternatives to "lump of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "mass of", "chunk of", "piece of", or "wad of" to convey a similar meaning to "lump of".

Is it appropriate to use "lump of" in formal writing?

While "lump of" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using "mass of" or "portion of" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "lump of" and "pile of"?

"Lump of" suggests a compact, often misshapen mass, while "pile of" implies a collection of items stacked or thrown together. For example, a "lump of clay" is a single, formed mass, whereas a "pile of clothes" is a collection of garments.