reams and reams

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reams and reams" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a large quantity of something, often written material or paperwork. Example: "The report was filled with reams and reams of data that needed to be analyzed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Reams and reams and reams of paper and recommendations can work against you," he says.

The New York Times

"He transferred reams and reams and reams of data to the Israelis!

The New Yorker

Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt got reams and reams of mail.

Harvard University

When I have my shower, I can quote reams and reams of poetry.

University of California, Berkeley

By 10, he was producing "reams and reams" of compositions, as he later recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

We're looking at reams and reams of negatives, some in envelopes, some just lying loose.

The New York Times

There are four newspapers, a manuscript, sundry birthday cards and reams and reams of poems.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

And so the reams upon reams of litigation Clinton's interest rate freeze would provoke could quite possibly forestall any easing of the burdens on homeowners on the brink of losing their homes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, this is one question where we can fairly safely say that correlation does equal causation, as evidenced by the reams upon reams upon reams of research showing the importance of physical activity for living a longer, healthier life.

The Washington Post

And reams of notebooks from my consulting work.

The New York Times

Barack Obama kills a fly and reams of articles ensue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reams and reams" to emphasize the sheer volume of paperwork, data, or other written material, creating a stronger impression than simply saying "lots" or "much".

Common error

While "reams and reams" can be effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "copious amounts" or "vast quantities" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reams and reams" functions as an intensifier to emphasize a large quantity of something, usually written material or data. It adds emphasis beyond simply stating "many" or "much". Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reams and reams" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize a large quantity, especially of written material or data. According to Ludwig AI, it’s deemed correct and usable. Predominantly found in news and media, but also present in academic and business contexts, it carries a neutral register. When employing this phrase, remember its primary function is to highlight abundance. However, be mindful of overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement. Consider similar alternatives like "copious amounts" or "vast quantities" to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vast quantities

Highlights the immense scale of the amount.

an abundance of

Focuses on the plentiful and overflowing nature.

copious amounts

Emphasizes the plentiful and generous nature of the quantity.

a mountain of

Uses a metaphor to describe a large, overwhelming quantity.

a wealth of

Suggests a rich and abundant supply.

a plethora of

Implies an excessive and often overwhelming amount.

a great deal of

Indicates a substantial amount, suitable for uncountable nouns.

numerous instances

Focuses on the high number of occurrences or examples.

tons of

Informal way to express a very large quantity or amount of something.

oodles of

Emphasizes the plentiful and generous nature of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "reams and reams" in a sentence?

You can use "reams and reams" to emphasize a large quantity of something, typically written material. For example, "The project generated "reams and reams" of paperwork".

What phrases are similar to "reams and reams"?

Similar phrases include "copious amounts", "vast quantities", and "a wealth of". These all convey a large quantity of something.

Is it correct to say "reams and reams of" something?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase is used to describe a large quantity, often referring to documents or data. For example, "We had to sift through "reams and reams" of information".

Is "reams and reams" formal or informal?

The phrase "reams and reams" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more impactful when emphasizing volume in a descriptive way rather than in highly technical writing.