stack of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stack of paper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a large number of pieces of paper that are placed on top of each other. For example, "There was a stack of paper on the desk which needed to be organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A stack of paper arrived.

The Guardian

The resulting stack of paper, Simon told me, was more than a foot high.

The New Yorker

"This stack of paper is the closest thing to Boris Bibikov's earthly remains," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

He submitted his application, which included an inch-thick stack of paper, in a neat binder.

The New York Times

Inside his office, Mr. Banga sat at a desk behind a rising stack of paper, listing residents by neighborhood.

The New York Times

The kids mobbed a stack of paper crowns in fluorescent colors: orange, green, yellow, and, yes, blue and pink.

The New Yorker

He taught Garrett Snyder how to fan a stack of paper cocktail napkins with the back of his wrist.

The New Yorker

The file, which had been a thick, staple-bound stack of paper, had been reduced to several sheets.

The New Yorker

As always, he bustles into the NITV studio carrying a short stack of paper covered with hastily scrawled Farsi.

The New York Times - Magazine

A stack of paper cups stood beside it, and an aluminum honor box labelled "$1" with a sticky note.

The New Yorker

When that happens, he flips the unfinished drawing down to the bottom of his stack of paper and moves on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical object, using "stack of paper" is appropriate. For digital documents, consider "digital archive" or "electronic files".

Common error

Avoid using "stack of paper" when referring to just a few sheets; instead, use "a few sheets of paper" or simply "some paper".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stack of paper" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a physical collection of paper, as evidenced by Ludwig examples mentioning its physical presence in various settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stack of paper" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a collection of paper. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the scale and content of the paper when choosing alternative phrases like "pile of documents" or "ream of paper". Using "stack of paper" is best suited for describing a physical quantity of paper, and less appropriate for digital files or just a few sheets of paper.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pile of documents

Emphasizes the official or important nature of the papers.

collection of sheets

Focuses on the individual sheets rather than the organized stack.

batch of pages

Highlights the individual pages within a larger set.

ream of paper

Indicates a specific quantity of paper, typically 500 sheets.

mountain of paperwork

Suggests a large and overwhelming quantity of official documents.

bundle of notes

Refers to a collection of handwritten or printed notes.

accumulation of pages

Highlights the gradual gathering of pages over time.

heap of printouts

Specifies that the papers are printed documents.

assortment of leaflets

Suggests a variety of different types of paper, such as flyers or brochures.

mass of reports

Implies a large quantity of formal reports.

FAQs

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

You can use "stack of paper" to describe a quantity of paper placed on top of each other. For example: "He handed me a four-inch "stack of paper", his latest batch of rejections from the censors."

What are some synonyms for "stack of paper"?

Alternatives to "stack of paper" include "pile of documents", "collection of sheets", or "batch of pages", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "stack of paper" in formal writing?

Yes, "stack of paper" is suitable for formal writing, though alternatives like "pile of documents" or "compilation of reports" might be more precise depending on the content of the paper.

What's the difference between "stack of paper" and "ream of paper"?

While both refer to paper, ""stack of paper"" describes any collection of paper placed together. A "ream of paper" specifically refers to 500 sheets of paper.