pile of keys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pile of keys" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a collection or a disorganized group of keys, often implying that there are many keys present. Example: "I found a pile of keys in the drawer, and I couldn't remember what most of them were for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

22. Glittering Ornaments from a Pile of Keys Project via The Altered Past.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

First we learn the Senate's upcoming torture report says detainees were held on the island, and now – conveniently – a pile of key documents turn up missing with 'water damage'?

The Guardian

Its primary raison d'etre is to alert you of incoming BlackBerry messages calls, texts, BBMs, calendar events, etc. when your BlackBerry proper is, say, hidden in your pants pocket buried under a pile of car keys, chewing gum, quarters and dimes and pennies, pens, and a bunch of bottle caps.

TechCrunch

Whereas a novice like myself might look hopelessly at a messy pile of unpaid bills, keys and stamps on the kitchen counter, a professional like Mr. Ronck might sum up the situation like this: "You need wall pockets".

The New York Times - Tech

Composer Phillan Bishop's approach to the instrument is maximalist by 1973 standards, piling asynchronous and out-of-key synthesizers into ecstatic chattering buzz that's as much chainsaw as beehive something fitting given the amputative violence that drives the film forward. Colin Joyce.

Vice

A World War II veteran with a passion for fixing things, he kept a roll of duct tape in his basement workshop and another in his bedroom, right on the dresser bureau near his pile of car and house keys.

The New York Times

Sign about 30 pieces of paper, all in German, get the keys and a pile of paper including the Fahrzeugbrief, which is your ownership document.

WikiHow

The little wires were in a pile, the hammers were in a pile, the keys were in a pile - a naked piano.

The New York Times

They pull everything out of his pockets a pile of Smarties, the Armitron watch, the clover key chain and check his backpack and gym bag for weapons.

Vice

In the pile of recovered loot, Billie had found her old key ring.

The New Yorker

Try this at Birriería las Nueve Esquinas (00 52 361362606260; las9esquinas.com), a low-key institution where meat comes with a pile of flour tortillas, coriander, pickled onions and two spicy salsas for you to pile up.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pile of keys", consider the visual imagery it evokes; it suggests a somewhat disorganized or random accumulation. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "pile of keys" to describe a small, neatly arranged set of keys. The term implies a larger, less organized gathering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pile of keys" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a collection of keys, often implying disorganization. Ludwig examples show its use in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pile of keys" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a collection of keys, frequently implying a disorganized arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most often found in news and media, as well as in wiki contexts. When writing, consider the imagery it evokes and whether a more formal alternative like "collection of keys" might be more appropriate. While not overly formal, "pile of keys" serves effectively in many descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bunch of keys

Emphasizes a collection of keys held or bound together.

collection of keys

Highlights the act of gathering keys together.

heap of keys

Suggests a disordered accumulation of keys.

mass of keys

Implies a large, undefined quantity of keys.

cluster of keys

Refers to a group of keys closely gathered.

stockpile of keys

Indicates a stored or accumulated supply of keys.

accumulation of keys

Focuses on the gradual gathering of keys.

assortment of keys

Suggests a varied collection of keys.

array of keys

Implies an organized or displayed set of keys.

mountain of keys

Exaggerates the quantity of keys, implying a very large amount.

FAQs

How can I use "pile of keys" in a sentence?

You can use "pile of keys" to describe a disorganized collection of keys. For example: "I found a "pile of keys" in the junk drawer and couldn't identify which one opened the shed."

What's a good alternative to "pile of keys"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "bunch of keys", "collection of keys", or "heap of keys".

Is "pile of keys" a formal or informal expression?

"Pile of keys" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, you might opt for "collection of keys".

What does "pile of keys" imply about the keys?

"Pile of keys" suggests that the keys are numerous and likely not organized or neatly arranged. It creates an image of a haphazard accumulation.