a block of cement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block of cement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a solid piece or mass of cement, often in construction or building contexts. Example: "The workers used a block of cement to support the structure during the renovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Occasionally the paddle scraped a block of cement.

The New Yorker

I had to stop after four bites, which formed what felt like a block of cement in my stomach.

The New York Times - Arts

According to some reports, a block of cement from a section of the stadium which was undergoing construction hit Ebossé in the head causing severe cranial trauma.

The Guardian - Sport

In actuality it feels like your old personality has left town and you've been replaced by a block of cement; indifferent if you win the lottery or fall off a cliff.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a commercial building along a nondescript road in Manila, Mr. Agapito, the publisher of Pinoy Parazzi, sat in the back of a storefront office with a few scattered desks and a block of cement at the front door to block floodwaters.

The New York Times

It's just a block of cement with dents in it!" With all that said, lets begin.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Meanwhile, the other surgeons work to get a boy out of a hardening block of cement.

The New York Times

Before Golden again stops the camera, the woman lifts a large block of cement above her head, preparing to heave it at the beaten man.

The New York Times - Magazine

With profits and Mount Slover's supply of limestone both dwindling, Mr. Repman said, he cannot justify the expense of upgrading the core of the Colton plant, its coal-burning kilns, where 2,000-degree 2,000-degreeimestone into a building block of cement.

The New York Times - Science

From the car, all I could see was a big white block of cement surrounded by garbage.

Vice

In our previous experiment, the same inocula induced infection in the rabbit tibia with a foreign body (a small block of bone cement) [16].

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing construction or building materials, use "a block of cement" to refer to a solid, pre-formed unit of cement. This usage is particularly apt when discussing foundational elements or structural components.

Common error

Avoid using "a block of cement" when you actually mean concrete. Cement is a component of concrete, not the finished product itself. If the block contains aggregate (gravel, sand), it's more accurately described as a concrete block.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block of cement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI shows how the phrase is used to describe physical objects in construction and other contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a block of cement" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a solid object made of cement. While relatively uncommon, it appears in diverse contexts like news, science, and construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for describing physical objects, particularly in contexts emphasizing material composition. It is important, however, to differentiate it from "concrete", which includes additional aggregates. When selecting alternative phrases, consider the specific context and whether the intent is to emphasize material composition, shape, or function. Given these considerations, the correct and purposeful use of "a block of cement" can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a concrete block

Replaces "cement" with the more specific "concrete", implying a pre-fabricated building material.

a slab of cement

Substitutes "block" with "slab", suggesting a flatter, broader piece of cement.

a lump of cement

Uses "lump" to indicate a less defined, irregular mass of cement.

a piece of cement

A more general term, replacing "block" with "piece".

a mass of cement

Emphasizes the quantity of cement rather than its specific shape.

a segment of cement

Implies a portion or section of a larger cement structure.

a unit of cement

Suggests a standardized, pre-determined amount of cement.

a section of cement

Implies a cut or division of a larger cement structure.

a brick of cement

Replaces "block" with "brick", indicating a smaller, more manageable unit.

a portion of cement

Indicates a part or share of a larger amount of cement.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The construction workers used "a block of cement" to reinforce the foundation of the building".

What are some alternatives to saying "a block of cement"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a concrete block", "a slab of cement", or even simply "a piece of cement".

Is it correct to say "a cement block" instead of "a block of cement"?

While "a cement block" is sometimes used, "a block of cement" is grammatically clearer. However, if the block contains aggregate, consider using "a concrete block" instead.

What is the difference between "a block of cement" and "a block of concrete"?

"A block of cement" refers specifically to a solid piece made of cement. "A block of concrete" contains cement along with other materials like sand and gravel.