masses of papers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "masses of papers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity of documents or sheets of paper, often implying a disorganized or overwhelming amount. Example: "After the meeting, I was left with masses of papers to sort through and organize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Masses of papers.

The New York Times - Books

Because he left masses of papers when he died, and as they were gradually sold to various collections across Europe, many must have gone missing.

The Guardian - Arts

In the long run even the torn pieces of Elizabeth's letter failed to survive, and not a single line of her writing has reached us among all the masses of papers he preserved.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He has used his mobile to eliminate the need to carry around masses of paper all over his farm in order to record important information about his livestock.

BBC

The ultimate point is to enable Cemex employees to focus on selling more cement, rather than getting bogged down in things like completing a telephone call or wading through masses of paper to find important customer account data.

Forbes

Martin was sifting through masses of paper strewn across his desk.

Huffington Post

A mass of papers and purple tulip petals from a dishevelled bouquet littered the dining table.

The New Yorker

Concealed in the mass of papers he found a page from a small memorandum pad.

The New Yorker

Sweeping a mass of papers off a chair so that I could sit down, he picked up one of his well-worn art books and opened it to a reproduction of Géricault's "The Raft of the Medusa".

The New Yorker

In this 1985 portrait, the snow-reflected light from a casement window falls on a mass of papers, books and files, while in the foreground is a complicated model of the structure of insulin, consisting of dozens of interlinked beads and wires.

The Guardian - Arts

We will have to deal with it at the time … but unless you get a critical mass of papers or publisher supporting a system it will be impossible to fund it; the costs are going to be something in the region of £3.5m-£4m.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "masses of papers", consider the context. If you want to emphasize disorganization, this phrase works well. However, for a more neutral tone, consider alternatives like "a large quantity of documents".

Common error

Avoid using "masses of papers" in highly formal or professional settings, as it can sound informal. Instead, opt for phrases like "extensive documentation" or "a large volume of records".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "masses of papers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a sentence or preposition. It describes a large quantity of documents. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "masses of papers" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys the idea of a large quantity of documents. While versatile, its use is most common in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, it's deemed correct, but writers should be mindful of the potential for informality and consider alternatives like "extensive documentation" in professional or academic settings. Remember that using this phrase can also emphasize disorganization or an overwhelming amount, depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large quantity of documents

Focuses on the substantial amount of documents present.

stacks of paperwork

Emphasizes the physical arrangement of the papers in a stacked form.

piles of reports

Highlights disorganized accumulation with specific reference to reports.

a mountain of files

Uses metaphorical language to describe a large and imposing collection.

an abundance of records

Highlights the plentiful nature of the records available.

a wealth of information

Emphasizes the value and richness contained within the papers.

extensive documentation

Focuses on thoroughness and detail in the collected papers.

copious notes

Highlights a vast amount of handwritten or transcribed thoughts and ideas.

reams of correspondence

Refers specifically to a significant volume of letters or emails.

a plethora of forms

Emphasizes the wide variety and large number of forms present.

FAQs

How can I use "masses of papers" in a sentence?

You can use "masses of papers" to describe a large quantity of documents, such as: "The investigation generated "masses of papers" for the legal team to review."

What phrases are similar to "masses of papers"?

Similar phrases include "a large quantity of documents", "stacks of paperwork", and "piles of reports".

Is "masses of papers" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "masses of papers" may sound informal in some contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "extensive documentation" or "a large volume of records" in professional or academic writing.

What is the difference between "masses of papers" and "a large quantity of documents"?

"Masses of papers" often implies a disorganized or overwhelming amount, whereas "a large quantity of documents" is a more neutral and formal way to describe a substantial number of documents.