pile of laundry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pile of laundry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection of dirty or clean clothes that are stacked together, often indicating that they need to be washed or folded. Example: "After a long week, I finally tackled the mountain of a pile of laundry that had accumulated in the corner of my room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

While Mr. Underwood and the women and men who click behind him as he patrols the corridors in search of souls to snack on are impeccably turned out, Ms. Barnes is a walking pile of laundry.

The New York Times

"She's at college, in the same county as me – far enough away to be in her own digs, but home every weekend, with a big pile of laundry, ready for Sunday lunch and a good row!" Another huge belly laugh.

The Guardian - Books

Terry Linden lives in an old, dark-panelled house in a small New England town with her husband Jack Mark Ruffaloo), two little kids, and a pile of laundry that mounts like an accusation.

The New Yorker

When the meal a man was cooking at his aunt's house in Hartlepool caught fire this week, he grabbed the nearest thing from a pile of laundry to put it out: his aunt's billowing, powder blue, size XL underpants.

The New York Times

"It helps if you have arthritis, and it helps if you still have kids at home and have a pile of laundry in your hands, because you can open the door with your elbow".

The New York Times

Or that day in Arizona, during our HALO refresher, when nobody had seen his chute open, and we were all looking in the sagebrush on the windward side of the drop zone for his body, and he'd popped out on the leeward side, carrying his chute like a pile of laundry.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The piles of laundry she ran through the old Whirlpool became piles of ironing.

The New York Times

Masks were never strewn on the floor, nor were piles of laundry left lying on the floor.

The New York Times

There are piles of laundry, cheesy window decals, and, in one case, a live raccoon in a cage.

The New Yorker

Historically, federal farm subsidies have operated like piles of laundry: there are constant efforts to make them go away, but they always rise right up again.

The New York Times

There are no piles of laundry compared side by side, or didactic demonstrations of the performance of Tide Pods versus Brand X.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pile of laundry" to create a relatable image in your writing. It's a common household scene that many readers can easily visualize.

Common error

Don't just mention a "pile of laundry" without context. Specify if it's clean, dirty, large, or small, to enhance the reader's understanding and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pile of laundry" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a collection of clothes. Ludwig AI shows that it's commonly used to describe a mundane, everyday situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pile of laundry" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an accumulation of clothes, often awaiting washing or folding. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While the phrase is generally neutral, it often appears in informal contexts related to daily life. It can also be used metaphorically to represent being overwhelmed. When writing, ensure the context is clear and consider specifying the nature of the laundry (clean, dirty, large, etc.) to enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "heap of dirty clothes" or "backlog of laundry" can add further nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heap of dirty clothes

Replaces 'pile of laundry' with a more descriptive term, specifying the clothes are dirty.

mountain of unwashed clothes

Uses 'mountain' for a more exaggerated sense of volume.

backlog of laundry

Suggests a buildup of laundry that needs to be addressed.

overflowing laundry basket

Highlights the overflowing nature of the laundry.

basket of laundry

Refers to the container holding the laundry rather than the pile itself.

load of washing

Focuses on the washing process rather than the accumulation of clothes.

dirty clothes hamper

Specifies a container designated for dirty clothes.

accumulation of soiled garments

A more formal and detailed way of describing dirty laundry.

unsorted garments

Emphasizes the lack of organization in the pile of laundry.

collection of unwashed items

A broader term encompassing various unwashed items, not just clothes.

FAQs

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

You can use "pile of laundry" to describe a collection of clothes that need to be washed or folded. For example, "I have a huge "pile of laundry" to do this weekend."

What is a more descriptive alternative to "pile of laundry"?

Alternatives include "heap of dirty clothes", "mountain of unwashed clothes", or "backlog of laundry", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "piles of laundry" instead of "pile of laundry"?

Yes, "piles of laundry" is correct when referring to multiple separate accumulations of clothes, while "pile of laundry" refers to a single accumulation.

What does it mean when someone uses "pile of laundry" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "pile of laundry" can represent an overwhelming amount of tasks or responsibilities, similar to how a large pile of clothes can feel unmanageable.