a block of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a block of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount or piece of something, or a group of something. For example: "We bought a block of tickets to the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A block of ice melting.

The New York Times - Arts

Free a block of heap memory.

Stanford University

A block of cheese and yellow mustard.

The New Yorker

All this over a block of wood!

The Guardian - Tech

It was a block of flats.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A block of metal, in all honesty.

The Washington Post

realloc is used to resize a block of heap memory.

Stanford University

Create a rainbow in a block of Jello?

Princeton University

Fullerton retrieved a block of wood from the basement.

The New York Times - Sports

So you're building up a block of experience and belief.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Create a block of time to tackle emails.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a block of" to denote a distinct and sizable quantity or group. Ensure the noun following "of" aligns with the intended meaning (e.g., "a block of cheese", "a block of time").

Common error

Avoid using "a block of" with uncountable nouns where it doesn't logically fit. For example, instead of "a block of information", consider "a body of information" or "a piece of information" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a quantity or portion of something. It modifies a noun, indicating a defined or sizable segment, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples such as "a block of cheese" or "a block of time".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a block of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific quantity, segment, or period, according to Ludwig AI. Its grammatical function is primarily as a determiner phrase, modifying nouns to indicate defined portions. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While generally correct, it's important to ensure logical compatibility with the subsequent noun. With a neutral register and high frequency, "a block of" remains a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of

A general term for a part or portion, applicable to both physical and abstract entities.

a chunk of

Emphasizes a rough or irregularly shaped piece, implying less precision than "block".

a section of

Implies a distinct and defined part of something, often used in organized structures.

a segment of

Highlights a portion or division of a larger whole, often used in abstract contexts.

a portion of

Suggests a share or allotment, often in the context of resources or amounts.

a unit of

Refers to a standardized measure or component within a larger system.

a set of

Indicates a collection or group of related items.

a period of

Focuses on a duration or span of time.

a mass of

Emphasizes a large, often undifferentiated quantity or accumulation.

a volume of

Highlights the amount or quantity, especially in relation to space or capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "a block of" in a sentence?

You can use "a block of" to refer to a quantity of something, like "a block of cheese", or a period of time, like "a block of time for studying".

What are some synonyms for "a block of"?

Alternatives include "a chunk of", "a piece of", or "a segment of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a block of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a block of" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when referring to defined periods or quantities. For instance, it's suitable to say "a block of shares" in business or "a block of code" in technical writing.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a block of"?

Avoid using "a block of" when it doesn't logically fit with the noun that follows. For example, saying "a block of water" isn't as clear as "a body of water" or "a volume of" water.