a block

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a physical block, a block of text, or a block of time in scheduling. Example: "I need to take a break after working for a solid block of two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A block….

The New Yorker

He glimpses a block.

Independent

A block.

The New York Times - Sports

Refriending After a Block Q.

The New York Times - Tech

Sunday after a block party.

The New York Times

What a block.

The Guardian - Travel

Throw a block party.

The Guardian

I've got a block.

The Guardian - Sport

He was arrested about a block away.

The New York Times

Lincoln Park is a block away.

The New York Times

I have a block about Dickens.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a block" to describe distance, ensure the context clearly defines the length of the block to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "city block" or "residential block".

Common error

Avoid using "a block" metaphorically if the audience may not understand the intended meaning. In formal contexts, prefer more precise terms like "obstacle" or "delay" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It can denote a physical object, a unit of distance, or a metaphorical barrier. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a block" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase with various meanings, ranging from physical objects and distances to metaphorical obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, science, and general conversational contexts. When referring to distance, clarify the block's length to avoid ambiguity. Depending on context, alternative phrases like "a chunk", "a section", or "an obstacle" might offer more precise or nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chunk

Replaces "block" with a more informal term for a portion or segment.

a section

Offers a more generic term for a part or division of something.

a segment

Similar to section, but often implies a more distinct or defined part.

a portion

Emphasizes a share or allotment of something.

a piece

A general term for a fragment or part.

a square

Refers specifically to a square-shaped block or area.

a cube

Implies a three-dimensional block.

an obstacle

If "a block" is used metaphorically to mean impediment, this offers a direct synonym.

a barrier

Similar to an obstacle, representing something that prevents movement or progress.

a hurdle

Suggests a challenge that needs to be overcome.

FAQs

How is "a block" used to describe distance?

When referring to distance, "a block" typically means the length of a city or residential block. For example, "The store is "a block away"" indicates it's one block's length from your current location.

What does it mean to have "a block" creatively?

Creatively, "a block" can refer to a mental or creative impediment, such as "writer's block". This implies a temporary inability to generate ideas or continue with a creative project.

Are there technical meanings of "a block"?

In technical contexts, such as computer programming, "a block" can refer to a section of code treated as a unit. Similarly, in data management, it might describe a "block of data".

What are some alternatives to using "a block" to mean an obstruction?

When "a block" represents an obstruction, you could use terms like "an obstacle", "a barrier", or "an impediment" to convey the same meaning.