a block of granite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block of granite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a solid piece of granite, often in contexts related to construction, geology, or sculpture. Example: "The sculptor carefully chiseled away at the block of granite to reveal the statue hidden within."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"This guy is built like a block of granite," nodded Purcell.

The Guardian - Sport

IN THE rotunda of Alabama's state courthouse stands a block of granite engraved with the Ten Commandments.

The Economist

The park's major — indeed, only — attraction is a block of granite the size of a two-story house.

The New Yorker

"You looking for Dan?" the man at the door asked, and there he was, a little grayer but still a block of granite.

The New York Times - Sports

In Football, a 'Block of Granite' Football took Harry Jacunski from New Britain High School to Fordham, to the Green Bay Packers, to Notre Dame, Harvard and Yale.

The New York Times

With his chiseled physique, commanding square jaw and sharp buzz cut, Mr. Lang might almost seem to be carved from a block of granite.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This model was validated using results obtained from a radionuclide migration experiment performed in a natural fracture in a quarried block of granite over a distance of 1 m.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

A radionuclide migration experiment was performed over a distance of 1 m in a natural fracture in a quarried block of granite.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

The chapel was adorned with a paved pool and a large stone throne carved of a single block of granite in the Egyptian style; it is flanked by two sphinx figures and surrounded by two lion sculptures.

Wikipedia

The truck event on Thursday had all the trappings of a lavish auto-show introduction, including a Silverado emerging with explosive sound effects from a fake block of granite.

The New York Times

There was a time in the postwar era when John Wayne wasn't merely a brawny block of granite, when his men of action were pocked with character flaws.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something sturdy or unyielding, consider using the phrase "a block of granite" to emphasize its robustness.

Common error

Avoid using "a block of granite" literally when a figurative meaning is intended. Ensure the context clearly supports the comparison to solidity or immovability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a block of granite" is as a noun phrase. It typically functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a physical entity. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a block of granite" is a grammatically sound noun phrase, commonly used to describe something physically solid and durable, or metaphorically unyielding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science, with neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "a piece of granite" or "a slab of granite". Ensure the context supports both literal and figurative interpretations to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of granite

Replaces "block" with "piece", offering a slightly less specific term.

a slab of granite

Substitutes "block" with "slab", implying a flat, rectangular piece.

a granite boulder

Replaces "block" with "boulder", suggesting a large, natural rock formation.

a granite mass

Uses "mass" instead of "block", emphasizing the bulk and size.

a granite formation

Replaces "block" with "formation", highlighting a naturally occurring structure.

a solid granite chunk

Adds "solid" and changes "block" to "chunk", emphasizing the material's density and the shape.

a hewn granite stone

Replaces "block" with "stone" and adds "hewn", indicating it has been shaped.

a granite monolith

Substitutes "block" with "monolith", referring to a single, large stone.

a massive granite element

Replaces "block" with "element" and adds "massive", focusing on size and composition.

a quarried granite section

Replaces "block" with "section" and adds "quarried", specifying its origin.

FAQs

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

You can use "a block of granite" to describe something physically solid or, figuratively, something unyielding or unchanging. For example, "The building was constructed from "a block of granite"" or "His resolve was like "a block of granite", impossible to break".

What's a good alternative to "a block of granite"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a piece of granite", "a slab of granite", or, figuratively, something described as "unyielding" or "immovable".

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

Yes, "a block of granite" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing physical structures or using it as a metaphor for strength and stability. However, ensure the context warrants its use.

What does it mean when someone is described as "a block of granite"?

When someone is described as "a block of granite", it usually means they are perceived as being emotionally unyielding, stubborn, or very strong and resolute.