stack of plates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stack of plates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical arrangement of plates that are piled on top of each other, often in a kitchen or dining context. Example: "After dinner, I noticed a precarious stack of plates teetering on the edge of the table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

After your meal, one of the cheery staffers tallies the stack of plates you've accumulated.

The New York Times - Food

I smeared a stack of plates with butter and cream cheese.

The New York Times - Food

Erik lifted down a stack of plates from a cupboard above the counter while Frida counted knives and forks.

The New Yorker

You could squeeze it under a cast-iron skillet piled with cans, or press it beneath a stack of plates.

The New York Times

Kinsella gets a stack of plates from the cupboard, opens a drawer and takes out knives and forks, teaspoons.

The New Yorker

In the center of each table is a pizza stand with a stack of plates underneath for sharing.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Stack a pile of plates and get the proper silverware ready.

WikiHow

I can hear more sounds from kitchen — the stacking of plates, the scraping of pots.

The New Yorker

For instance, the SuperFoodsRx menu is illustrated with a photo of stacks of plates, and the Heavenly bed is illustrated with a photo of a woman asleep on a batch of balloons.

The New York Times

These cracks start at the cooling surface of the lava flow and then propagate into the magma to form stacks of plates, and thereby columns.

BBC

The stacks of plates, laden with abandoned comestibles, transported me back to my turn-of-the-millennium prime.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "stack of plates", consider the context. Use adjectives to specify the stack's condition (e.g., clean, dirty), size (e.g., tall, short), or stability (e.g., precarious, stable).

Common error

While grammatically correct, "stack of plates" can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise language if the context requires a higher level of formality. Consider alternative phrases like "collection of plates" or specifying the number of plates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stack of plates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific arrangement of multiple plates, as demonstrated by the examples found through Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stack of plates" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe multiple plates piled on top of each other. As Ludwig indicates, its usage is somewhat uncommon but acceptable across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki content. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it might be considered too informal for highly technical or formal writing. When using "stack of plates", consider the specific context and whether a more precise or formal alternative, such as "collection of plates", would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pile of dishes

Replaces "stack" with "pile", suggesting a less orderly arrangement.

heap of plates

Replaces "stack" with "heap", suggesting a disorganized pile.

tower of plates

Uses "tower" to emphasize the height and potential instability of the arrangement.

arrangement of plates

Emphasizes the deliberate placement or organization of plates.

group of plates

A simple and general way to describe multiple plates.

collection of plates

Refers to a group of plates, without specifying the arrangement.

batch of plates

Suggests a quantity of plates produced or handled together.

accumulation of plates

Implies a gradual gathering of plates over time.

supply of plates

Focuses on the availability of plates, rather than their arrangement.

set of plates

Refers to a matching collection of plates.

FAQs

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

You can use "stack of plates" to describe a pile of plates. For example, "He carried a wobbly "stack of plates" to the table."

What is a more formal way to say "stack of plates"?

Depending on the context, you could use "collection of plates" or simply specify the number of plates, such as "a pile of ten plates".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "stack of plates"?

The phrase itself is grammatically sound, but its use might be inappropriate in certain formal or technical contexts where more precise language is preferred.

What image does "stack of plates" typically evoke?

The phrase generally brings to mind an image of dishes piled on top of each other, often implying a casual or domestic setting.