mass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mass" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to a large quantity or amount of something, often in scientific or general discussions. Example: "The mass of the object was measured to be 5 kilograms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, in the wake of the mass slaughter in the US, and the arrest of three IRA suspects in Colombia, the atmosphere in Belfast is difficult to gauge.

The Guardian

Assange calls the site "an uncensorable system for untraceable mass document leaking and public analysis," and a government or company that wanted to remove content from WikiLeaks would have to practically dismantle the Internet itself.

The Economist

The commission found for the mass experiment in postal voting in June, though administration will need to improve.

The Guardian

Brands, as he pointed out, were far more than memorable names for modest little things in tins and packets, advertised in traditional mass media.

The Guardian

The old collection of buildings that made up the original concentration camp was not big enough to house all those caught in mass arrests, so inmates were forced to work 12- to 15-hour days to construct a new camp next door that would become notorious as the Nazis' biggest death camp.

The Guardian

The mass murder has caused many more reproductions of an image of Muhammad to be distributed than – I assume – any other in history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Foreign diplomats were converging on Burma on Thursday, seeking to discuss the Asian migrant crisis which is widely believed to have its roots in the mass fleeing of the country's persecuted Rohingya minority.

The Guardian

Barring a mass loss of form the top two will come from the four teams within two points of each other at the summit – Middlesbrough, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Watford – while Brentford, Derby, Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers fight for play-off places.

The Guardian - Sport

In a 2014 vote to cap immigration, for example, the question asked was: "Do you accept the popular initiative, 'Stop mass immigration'?

The Guardian

Thousands gathered by the Capitol reflection pool in Washington on Saturday to march, chant, and listen to speakers and performers as part of Stop Watching Us, a gathering to protest "mass surveillance" under NSA programs first disclosed by the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

There is something both proudly old-fashioned and fiercely modern about any farmer who flies in the face of mass food production.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic or general writing, use "mass" to describe large-scale events or phenomena, such as "mass gatherings" or "mass migrations", to effectively convey the magnitude of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "mass" interchangeably with "weight" in scientific or technical contexts. "Mass" is the measure of matter in an object, while "weight" is the force exerted on that mass due to gravity. Use "weight" correctly when gravity is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The word "mass" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a quantity of matter or a large body of something. It can also function as an adjective, describing something involving a large quantity or number, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "mass" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun or adjective, denoting a large quantity of matter, a significant body of something, or an event involving many people or things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While its formality is generally neutral, appropriate usage depends on understanding the specific context. Related terms include "large quantity" and "great amount", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When writing, ensure you differentiate "mass" from "weight" in scientific contexts and use it effectively to convey the scale of events in journalism. Understanding these nuances allows for precise and impactful communication, and ensures that the term is used correctly across different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

large quantity

Focuses on the amount of something, similar to "mass" when referring to a significant quantity.

great amount

Emphasizes the substantial quantity, mirroring the meaning of "mass" in certain contexts.

bulk quantity

Highlights the large size or volume, akin to "mass" when describing physical entities.

large aggregation

Refers to a gathering of items or individuals, similar to the collective sense of "mass".

considerable volume

Emphasizes the size or magnitude, akin to "mass" when indicating substantial size.

large number

Focuses on quantity, interchangeable with "mass" when talking about a great number of items or people.

significant portion

Indicates a notable amount, similar to "mass" in its quantitative aspect.

vast collection

Suggests a large assemblage of items, resembling "mass" when describing sizable gatherings.

major accumulation

Highlights the build-up or gathering of something, akin to "mass" in describing substantial accumulations.

substantial body

Refers to a significant collection, similar to the collective meaning of "mass".

FAQs

How can I use "mass" in a sentence?

You can use "mass" to refer to a large quantity of something, as in "The "mass of data" was overwhelming", or to the physical property of matter, as in "The mass of the object is 10 kilograms".

What are some synonyms for "mass" when referring to a large quantity?

When referring to a large quantity, you can use synonyms such as "bulk", "quantity", or "accumulation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a mass amount"?

While not strictly incorrect, "a mass amount" is less common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use "a large amount", "a great quantity", or simply "mass" as an adjective, such as in "mass production".

What's the difference between "mass" and "bulk"?

"Mass" can refer to both a quantity of matter and a large number or amount. "Bulk" typically refers to a large quantity or volume, especially when purchasing or handling goods in large amounts. For example, you might buy items in "bulk quantities".