stockpiles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stockpiles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large quantity of goods or materials that are stored for future use or emergencies. Example: "The government has stockpiles of food and medical supplies in case of a natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A report by Opec forecasting that demand for oil will fall next year and a separate study showing US stockpiles growing were the trigger for another round of selling on the oil markets on Wednesday, driving prices down further.

The Guardian - Business

Their weapons appeared to have come from Libyan stockpiles released when Muammar Gaddafi was toppled.

The Guardian

In the markets, all this news was taking its toll: prices for corn and wheat were spiking upwards, rising almost a third on global markets as forecasters suggested grain stockpiles could shrink by as much as 50% as the summer wears on.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2004, in a statement to the Butler inquiry, Blair said: "I have to accept, as the months have passed, it seems increasingly clear that at the time of invasion, Saddam did not have stockpiles of chemical or biological weapons ready to deploy".

The Guardian - Opinion

Those include slashing nuclear stockpiles and writing rules for warfare in the 21st century that are worthy of America, a nation built on the supremacy of the law.Important countries and regions are glaringly absent from the "to-do" lists circulating in official Washington and its more influential think-tanks.

The Economist

While stockpiles in the thousands are obviously overkill, I would rather not go back to the days of large-scale symmetrical warfare, the kind of which destroys continents and nations.

The Economist

Key milestones for the verification of chemical-weapons stockpiles and the functional destruction of the facilities where they have been produced were met on time (October 27th and November 1st, respectively).

The Economist

The convention has been signed by 107 governments and ratified by 37. Of the 87 countries which have had stockpiles of cluster weapons at some point, 38 are signatories.

The Economist

But an early plan to rejig agriculture, beginning by selling 15m tonnes of grain stockpiles, looks hopeful.

The Economist

We both married above ourselves, we both have trouble with the English language, we both have big biceps well, two out of three aren't bad".Mr Bush campaigning in California, August 12thMea culpa"See, I thought we were going to find stockpiles.

The Economist

Most analysts expect a sharp rebound during the next few months, and as companies prepare for the uncertainties of the millennium bug they may well add to their stockpiles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stockpiles", consider the scale and strategic intent of the accumulation. It suggests a deliberate effort to store a significant quantity for future use, often in response to anticipated needs or risks.

Common error

Avoid using "stockpiles" for small or informal collections. It's best reserved for substantial quantities intended for strategic purposes, not everyday items.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stockpiles" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple accumulations of materials or resources. Ludwig examples show it describing reserves of oil, grain, weapons, and other commodities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stockpiles" functions as a plural noun denoting substantial accumulations of resources, frequently in strategic contexts related to news, business, and sometimes science. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse reliable sources. When writing, reserve "stockpiles" for significant, strategically intended quantities. Related terms such as ""reserves"", ""stores"", or ""supplies"" offer nuanced alternatives based on context. Understanding these subtle differences ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reserves

Focuses on the availability and readiness of resources for future use, often implying a strategic purpose.

supplies

Emphasizes the function of providing necessary materials, especially for ongoing needs.

stores

General term for kept goods, lacking the scale or strategic implication of "stockpiles".

accumulations

Highlights the process of gathering over time, suitable when the gradual build-up is important.

provisions

Highlights the act of preparing or supplying for future needs, often in anticipation of scarcity.

inventories

Implies a formal, often commercial, listing of goods, rather than strategic holding.

caches

Refers to hidden stores, typically of weapons or supplies, often for illicit or emergency use.

hoards

Suggests a secretive or excessive accumulation, often with negative connotations.

depots

Describes large-scale storage facilities, emphasizing the place rather than the materials themselves.

collections

Focuses on gathering items of interest, lacking the functional or strategic aspect of "stockpiles".

FAQs

How is "stockpiles" typically used in a sentence?

"Stockpiles" is generally used as a noun to describe accumulated reserves of materials or resources. For example: "The nation maintains significant "grain stockpiles" to ensure food security".

What are some synonyms for "stockpiles"?

Depending on the context, alternatives for "stockpiles" include "reserves", "stores", "supplies", or "accumulations".

Is "stockpiles" used in a formal or informal context?

"Stockpiles" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in formal settings such as news reports, business reports, or academic discussions.

What's the difference between "stockpiles" and "inventories"?

"Stockpiles" typically refers to strategic reserves of resources, while "inventories" describes a detailed list of goods or materials held for sale or use in a business. "Stockpiles" often imply a larger scale and strategic purpose compared to "inventories".