sheer mass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer mass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is large or substantial in size or quantity, often emphasizing the overwhelming nature of that size. Example: "The sheer mass of the mountain made it a daunting challenge for even the most experienced climbers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some of this is because of sheer mass.

The New York Times - Food

The sheer mass of the Sabols' work is almost numbing.

The New York Times - Sports

The Lion King is just a sheer mass of loss.

The Guardian - Film

"The fund was immobilized by its sheer mass.

The New York Times - Books

The sheer mass of this folly will surely discourage most readers.

The New York Times - Books

I was simply grabbed by the sheer mass of sound, human and mechanical.

The New York Times - Arts

We were just amazed by the sheer mass of the three clouds surrounding the city.

The Guardian

The sheer mass of humanity on the move generates astonishing facts.

The Guardian

The memory of that water, the sheer mass and speed of it.

The New Yorker

The sheer mass of bodies in such a confined space makes that difficult, as do the stakes involved.

The New York Times - Sports

It beats Xanadu in its sheer mass, and its brutal imposition on the eyes of millions of people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer mass" to emphasize the overwhelming or impactful nature of something's size or quantity. For example, "The sheer mass of data made analysis challenging."

Common error

Avoid using "sheer mass" when referring to complexity or abstract difficulty. The phrase is best suited for describing physical quantities or measurable amounts, not metaphorical challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer mass" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sheer mass" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the magnitude or quantity of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its frequent usage across various sources, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, underscores its versatility and applicability. When writing, use "sheer mass" to effectively convey the impressiveness or overwhelming nature of a size or quantity, but ensure it aligns with concrete or measurable aspects rather than abstract concepts. Understanding its function and appropriate contexts will enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense size

Emphasizes the largeness in dimension or extent, similar to "sheer mass" but focuses more on physical dimensions.

vast quantity

Highlights a large amount rather than physical size, differing from "sheer mass" which can apply to both.

sheer volume

Focuses specifically on the amount of space something occupies, akin to a measurement of "sheer mass".

considerable bulk

Implies a substantial size and weight, close in meaning to "sheer mass" but with a stronger emphasis on weight.

substantial magnitude

Refers to the importance and scale of something, less literal than "sheer mass".

sheer quantity

Emphasizes a large amount but is less focused on physical dimensions or weight.

significant extent

Highlights the degree or scope of something, differing from "sheer mass" which implies physical size or amount.

tremendous amount

Stresses the greatness in quantity but not necessarily size.

overwhelming size

Indicates a size so large that it is difficult to handle or ignore, close to "sheer mass" in impact.

large scale

Focuses on the size or scope of a project or activity rather than a physical object.

FAQs

How can I use "sheer mass" in a sentence?

Use "sheer mass" to describe a large quantity or size that is impressive or overwhelming. For example, "The "sheer mass" of the crowd made it difficult to move."

What phrases are similar to "sheer mass"?

Similar phrases include "immense size", "vast quantity", or "sheer volume". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sheer mass" in formal writing?

Yes, "sheer mass" is appropriate for formal writing. It's commonly used in news, scientific reports, and business documents to describe substantial quantities or sizes.

Can "sheer mass" refer to abstract concepts, or only physical quantities?

"Sheer mass" is best used to describe physical quantities or measurable amounts. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "substantial magnitude" or "significant extent".