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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Sack of bricks

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"sack of bricks" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It can be used as a metaphor to describe a very heavy load, especially one which is difficult to carry. For example, "Carrying those boxes up the stairs was like a sack of bricks!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Arriving at his death row cell, literally 10 feet from the electric-chair chamber, he said "it was as if I finally put down this sack of bricks I had been carrying my whole life".

News & Media

The New York Times

On one occasion, he was cleaning the flue using a sack of bricks tied to a rope when the sack ripped open, breaking several lead pipes and flooding his mother's kitchen.

You just need to readjust your role and probably give yourself a new title and the two of you will be just fine". His words hit me like a sack of bricks.

News & Media

HuffPost

Keep telling yourself you can do it, don't let guilty feelings get to you, guilt is a sack of bricks, all you have to do is set it down.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While Hamas rocket builders and bomb-makers can smuggle everything they need through the secret tunnels, international aid organizations have to account for every brick or sack of flour.

News & Media

The New Yorker

A shelf of bricks; a squeaky cot.

News & Media

The Guardian

Another man built totems out of bricks.

That's a lot of bricks.

News & Media

Independent

Instead of bricks versus clicks, it's bricks meet clicks.

Maintenance Of Bricks and Mortar Q.

News & Media

The New York Times

Not out of bricks and mortar, anyway.

Science & Research

Science Magazine
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "sack of bricks" to vividly describe a tangible or intangible burden that feels exceptionally heavy and difficult to manage. It's most effective when conveying a sense of strain and encumbrance.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "sack of bricks" to describe minor inconveniences. Its impact lies in conveying a substantial and significant burden, not trivial annoyances. Save it for situations that truly feel overwhelming.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase. The primary grammatical function of "sack of bricks" is to act as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, frequently functioning as a metaphor for a heavy or difficult burden.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

⚠ Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sack of bricks" functions as a noun phrase and is used to describe something heavy or burdensome, both physically and emotionally. Ludwig AI validates its use, noting its common employment as a metaphor. While grammatically sound, its informal nature suggests it is best used in casual or creative contexts rather than formal writing. Consider alternatives like "heavy burden" or "onerous task" depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to express. Overall, "sack of bricks" provides a vivid, albeit somewhat informal, way to describe a significant weight or challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "sack of bricks" in a sentence?

You can use "sack of bricks" to describe something that feels very heavy or burdensome, either physically or emotionally. For example, "Dealing with this legal issue feels like carrying a "sack of bricks"".

What does it mean when someone says something hit them like a "sack of bricks"?

It means they were suddenly and powerfully affected by something, usually bad news or a shocking realization. The impact is sudden and overwhelming, similar to being struck by a "sack of bricks".

What are some alternatives to saying "sack of bricks"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "heavy burden", "crushing weight", or "onerous task" to convey a similar meaning of something being difficult or overwhelming.

Is it appropriate to use "sack of bricks" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sack of bricks" is somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using a more sophisticated phrase like "significant impediment" or "substantial challenge depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: