mountain of ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mountain of ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large accumulation of ice, often in a metaphorical sense to convey something overwhelming or massive. Example: "After the blizzard, the town was left with a mountain of ice blocking the roads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

His trip, he said, had melted a "mountain of ice".

The Economist

They can't even bring you a glass of water without a mountain of ice".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In their images, food functions as a subversive, suggestive prop — a toad wedged between a burger bun, a mountain of ice cream adorned with cigarette buds.

The New Yorker

The corner spot, which fronts the busy but unseen kitchen, is a mountain of ice piled with clusters of sealed mussel and clam shells.

The New York Times

I'm wary of icy sidewalks, so the thought of having lunch on a mountain of ice 1,000 feet thick tends to chill my appetite.

The New York Times - Travel

His throwing was limited, and when he was in the clubhouse, his shoulder seemed to always be beneath a mountain of ice.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They saw mountains of ice and rivers of snowmelt, William Sheehan writes in his 1996 book, "The Planet Mars: A History of Observation and Discovery".

The New Yorker

The fjord is full of icebergs, calving from the bordering mountains of ice, and cruises to see the ice crack and fall are popular.

The New York Times

He also described the sound of an avalanche he saw as the ship passed between mountains of ice: "the mightiest, gentlest, longest whisper ever.

The Guardian - Music

Captain Cook had appeared to settle the matter in 1774, when he noted the existence of "firm fields and vast mountains of ice" making passage to southern latitudes beyond 71 degrees near impossible.

The Economist

As other nations deconstruct and go fusion, and constantly try to reinvent, very little has changed, here: it's still mainly bouillabaisse and plates of langoustines on mountains of ice.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mountain of ice" to vividly describe a large accumulation of ice, either literally or metaphorically. For example, use it to describe an obstacle or challenge that seems overwhelming.

Common error

Avoid using "mountain of ice" in contexts where a simpler description of ice would suffice. The phrase carries a strong image of immensity and obstacle, so reserve it for situations where that impact is desired. If the ice is only a minor detail, choose a less dramatic descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mountain of ice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used both literally, to describe actual ice formations, and metaphorically, to represent a significant obstacle or barrier.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mountain of ice" is a grammatically correct noun phrase commonly used to describe large ice formations or, metaphorically, significant obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It frequently appears in news, media, and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of immensity and challenge. While generally neutral in register, its evocative nature lends itself to descriptive writing. Alternatives such as "iceberg" or "glacier" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Avoid overuse in simple descriptions, reserving its impact for situations where emphasis is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

iceberg

A large mass of ice detached from a glacier or ice sheet and floating in the sea. It suggests a single, massive piece of ice.

glacier

A slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles. It evokes a large, flowing mass of ice.

ice sheet

A very extensive, thick mass of glacial ice that covers a large area of land. It implies a vast and continuous expanse of ice.

frozen wasteland

This describes a barren landscape covered in ice and snow. It gives more emphasis on the inhospitable environment.

glacial mass

A general term for a large body of ice. More neutral than other options.

vast expanse of ice

Highlights the extensive nature of the ice cover, focusing on area rather than height.

colossal ice formation

Emphasizes the impressive size and structure of the ice.

immense ice deposit

Focuses on the quantity and accumulation of ice material.

frozen barrier

Highlights the impeding nature of the ice. It implies an obstacle.

frozen obstacle

A barrier of ice that blocks movement or progress. The option focus on the challenge that the ice represent.

FAQs

How can "mountain of ice" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "mountain of ice" can represent a significant obstacle, challenge, or emotional barrier that seems insurmountable. It emphasizes the size and difficulty of overcoming the problem, similar to facing a literal mountain made of ice.

What's the difference between "ice mountain" and "mountain of ice"?

"Mountain of ice" typically describes a large mass of ice, either literally or metaphorically. "Ice mountain" could refer to a mountain primarily composed of ice but is less common and can sound awkward, with "mountain of ice" being more widely accepted.

What can I say instead of "mountain of ice" to describe a large amount of ice?

Alternatives include "iceberg", "glacier", "ice sheet", or "glacial mass", depending on the specific type and context of the ice formation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "mountains of ice" instead of "mountain of ice"?

Yes, "mountains of ice" is grammatically correct and refers to multiple accumulations of ice. "Mountain of ice" typically refers to a singular, large mass. The choice depends on whether you're describing one large mass or multiple.