a block of cheese

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block of cheese" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when referring to a specific piece or portion of cheese that has been cut or molded into a square or rectangular shape. Example: Can you please pass me a block of cheese from the fridge?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A block of cheese and yellow mustard.

The New Yorker

The curds then settle or are formed into a block of cheese.

The New York Times - Science

Scoville specialised in opening the skull and slicing connections like cutting through a block of cheese.

The Guardian - Books

One man talked about stealing a block of cheese because his dad wanted a cheese sandwich.

The Guardian

He said with amusement that she gave him a block of cheese from New York for Christmas.

The New York Times

He correctly answered questions like "Who was the first king of the Netherlands?" and managed to carve a map of the Netherlands from a block of cheese.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

When I sensed that Allison was running out of questions ("So you say the Chamber arranges for the poinsettia centerpieces — now, wouldn't that be a Garden Club thing to do?"), I decided to check out the buffet: raw vegetables, mixed nuts, deep-fried olives, little sausages, pimiento cheese spread on crustless whole wheat, a block of cream cheese topped with salsa.

The New Yorker

A Black Panther shot by police "was turned into a block of Swiss cheese".

The New York Times - Books

8 p.m. 9. PICK NIC Take Tramway line T1 to Montrochet, walk west on Rue Paul Montrochet and head toward the postmodernist building resembling a block of orange cheese.

The New York Times - Travel

A network of microscopic pores throughout the tread rubber -- not unlike the holes in a block of Swiss cheese -- are formed during the manufacturing process.

The New York Times

We see this man who looks as if he has been sculpted out of a block of Gouda cheese, and we hear the roar of acclaim, and the truth becomes somehow a secondary thing, an appendage, the chimera's vestigial tail.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing cheese in culinary contexts, use "a block of cheese" to denote a solid, manageable portion that can be easily sliced or grated.

Common error

Don't use "a block of cheese" when referring to processed cheese slices or spreadable cheese products. Reserve it for solid, typically unpackaged cheese forms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block of cheese" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific quantity and form of cheese. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a block of cheese" is a grammatically correct and common noun phrase used to describe a solid, manageable portion of cheese. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it's frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to identify a tangible item, often in food-related situations. When writing, it's best to use "a block of cheese" to denote a solid, sliceable portion, and avoid using it for processed cheese products. Alternatives include "a chunk of cheese" or "a wedge of cheese", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chunk of cheese

Replaces "block" with "chunk", implying a less precise or regular shape.

a wedge of cheese

Specifies a particular shape, usually triangular, instead of a rectangular block.

a slab of cheese

Substitutes "block" with "slab", suggesting a thicker or rough-cut piece.

cheese brick

Replaces block with brick, suggesting a rectangular shape.

a piece of cheese

A more general term, not specifying shape or size as precisely as "block".

some cheese

An indefinite quantity of cheese, without specifying a distinct shape.

a wheel of cheese

Indicates a circular shape, typically for larger, aged cheeses.

a cube of cheese

Specifies the shape as a cube, instead of a rectangular block.

cheese square

Specifies the shape as a square, instead of a rectangular block.

cheese portion

Describes the quantity but with a different noun.

FAQs

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

You can use "a block of cheese" to describe a solid portion of cheese, such as: "I bought "a block of cheese" to make macaroni and cheese." or "He carved a map out of "a block of cheese".

What are some alternatives to "a block of cheese"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a chunk of cheese", "a wedge of cheese", or "a slab of cheese".

Is it always appropriate to say "a block of cheese"?

No, it's not appropriate if you're referring to grated cheese, cheese slices, or cheese spread. "A block of cheese" implies a solid, often unpackaged form.

What is the difference between "a block of cheese" and "a piece of cheese"?

"A block of cheese" typically suggests a larger, more substantial and regularly shaped portion, while "a piece of cheese" is a more general term that can refer to any portion, regardless of size or shape.