stack of documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stack of documents" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a pile of papers or files that are placed one on top of the other. Example: The lawyer handed over a stack of documents to the court clerk.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Each invoice, however, is actually a small stack of documents, including detailed breakdowns of work completed, signed legal forms and compliance documentation.

TechCrunch

Eventually he gave her a stack of documents.

The New York Times

As we spoke, Knowles printed out a stack of documents to show me.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He handed me a totally incomprehensible stack of documents, which I never referred to.

The New York Times

Franzia, meanwhile, sorted through a tall stack of documents that Barbara had placed next to the phone.

The New Yorker

As the commissioner spoke, an elderly man carrying an overstuffed satchel approached, slipping him a small stack of documents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

They smashed windows and dragged out furniture and stacks of documents, setting them on fire.

The New Yorker

"And when they do, they send huge stacks of documents to make it confusing.

The New York Times

Lawyers sometimes use hand-trucks to wheel in new stacks of documents.

The New York Times

In some instances they can represent stacks of documents up to several metres high.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some employees signed stacks of documents a day without reviewing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a large amount of paperwork, use "stack of documents" to convey a sense of volume and potential disorganization. It's suitable for contexts where the physical presence of the documents is emphasized.

Common error

Avoid using "stack of documents" when you are actually referring to digital files or databases. In such cases, terms like "digital archive" or "electronic records" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stack of documents" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, typically denoting a collection of papers or files physically arranged one on top of another. Ludwig examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stack of documents" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a pile of papers or files. As indicated by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, with some usage in formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid using it when referring to digital files. Consider alternatives like "pile of documents" or "collection of documents" for variety or when the physical arrangement isn't emphasized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pile of documents

Replaces "stack" with "pile", indicating a less organized collection.

collection of documents

Uses a more general term, "collection", to describe the group of documents.

batch of documents

Implies a set of documents processed or handled together.

file of documents

Suggests documents related to a specific case or subject, compiled together.

set of documents

Indicates a group of documents intended to be used together.

body of documents

Refers to a substantial collection of documents, often related to research or legal matters.

volume of documents

Highlights the quantity of documents, implying a large amount of paperwork.

assortment of documents

Indicates a varied collection of different types of documents.

dossier of documents

Suggests a comprehensive collection of documents related to a person or subject, often for investigative purposes.

compilation of documents

Implies documents have been intentionally gathered and organized.

FAQs

How can I use "stack of documents" in a sentence?

You can use "stack of documents" to describe a physical pile of papers. For example, "The lawyer presented a "stack of documents" to the judge as evidence".

What are some alternatives to saying "stack of documents"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "pile of documents", "collection of documents", or "batch of documents".

Is it appropriate to use "stack of documents" when referring to digital files?

No, "stack of documents" typically refers to a physical pile of papers. When referring to digital files, use terms like "digital archive" or "electronic records".

What is the difference between "stack of documents" and "dossier of documents"?

"Stack of documents" generally refers to any pile of papers, while "dossier of documents" implies a carefully compiled and organized collection of documents related to a specific person or subject, often for investigative or informational purposes.