there are a heck of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there are a heck of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize a large quantity or degree of something, often in informal contexts. Example: "There are a heck of a lot of reasons to support this initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"There are bad people in every profession, but there are a heck of a lot of good people to recognize," Mr. DeFrancisco said by phone.

The New York Times

I counted 136 fucks in total - of course I didn't really, I'm not that sad, but there are a heck of a lot.

The Guardian

But there are a heck of a lot of the other kind around, too, and a lot of institutions that were shaped and are still overseen by those who haven't donned their color-blind glasses yet.

The Guardian - Money

Technological advances mean that "there are a heck of a lot of options, a lot of different pushes into different type of energy generating," said Marshall Adkins, the managing director of energy research for Raymond James, a financial service firm.

The New York Times

"There are a heck of a lot more things than people," he says.

Forbes

And there are a heck of a lot of billboards in Beijing, though I've already spotted one or two that are not Olympic sponsors, but they are a minority.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Right now there is a heck of a lot of nothing: shops closed, stripped, barred, graffitied, the fascias chipped off as ammunition in riots, burned out, gone.

BBC

"There's a heck of a base out there.

The New York Times

There is a heck of an echo in the room.

The Guardian

"There was a heck of a lot of dazzling conversation, but meaty," Mr. Krindchick recalls.

The New Yorker

There's a heck of a lot more to blame than Mark Sanchez.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there are a heck of" to add emphasis in informal contexts. It's particularly effective when conveying surprise or enthusiasm.

Common error

Avoid using "there are a heck of" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "there are many" or "there are numerous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are a heck of" functions as an idiomatic expression to emphasize quantity. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to express that there is a considerable amount or degree of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there are a heck of" is an informal phrase used to emphasize a large quantity or degree of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable, though more suitable for casual contexts than formal writing. Common alternatives include "there are many" or "there are a lot of". Be mindful of the register and opt for more professional alternatives in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are a lot of

A common and slightly less informal alternative.

there are tons of

Informal, similar emphasis on a large quantity.

there are loads of

Informal, British English equivalent.

there are plenty of

Indicates an abundance; slightly more positive in connotation.

there are a good number of

Indicates a significant, but not overwhelming, amount.

there are many

More formal and less emphatic than the original phrase.

there are a great deal of

More formal and indicates a substantial amount.

there are numerous

More formal and emphasizes a large number.

there are quite a few

Less emphatic, suggests a moderate quantity.

there are a multitude of

Emphasizes a very large number or variety.

FAQs

How can I use "there are a heck of" in a sentence?

You can use "there are a heck of" to emphasize a large quantity or degree, for example: "There are a heck of a lot of opportunities available in this field."

What does "there are a heck of" mean?

"There are a heck of" indicates a significant amount or degree of something, often used informally for emphasis.

What can I say instead of "there are a heck of"?

You can use alternatives like "there are many", "there are a lot of", or "there are plenty of" depending on the context.

Is "there are a heck of" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "there are a heck of" is generally considered informal. Use more formal alternatives such as "there are numerous" or "there are a significant number of" in formal contexts.