a block of ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a block of ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a solid piece of ice, often in contexts related to weather, drinks, or physical objects. Example: "After spending hours outside in the cold, I found a block of ice in the backyard that had formed overnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A block of ice melting.

The New York Times - Arts

And a solo dancer kept circling a block of ice.

The New York Times - Arts

To my right was a block of ice that looked like a reclining polar bear.

The New Yorker

To protest repression, a Chinese performance artist freezes himself to death in a block of ice.

The New York Times

Had Super Goat Man once spent decades frozen in a block of ice, like Captain America?

The New Yorker

Should I have frozen my credit card in a block of ice?

The New York Times - Science

We hiked past a block of ice the size of a dorm-room minifridge.

The New York Times - Magazine

She wanted to sit on a block of ice for an entire scene, feel its chill.

The New York Times

A Pictish warrior, MacAroon, has been washed ashore in a block of ice and needs to be thawed out.

The Guardian - Books

Last year, the Detroit News reported the discovery of a body frozen in a block of ice in the basement.

The New Yorker

What's a little blackout to a guy who was once encased in a block of ice for 63 hours?

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the size or dimensions, be specific. Instead of just "a block of ice", consider "a block of ice the size of a refrigerator" for better imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "a block of ice" excessively in metaphorical contexts to describe emotions or personality, as it can become cliché. Instead, explore more nuanced descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block of ice" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a solid, often large, piece of frozen water. Ludwig shows it is used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a block of ice" is a common noun phrase used to describe a solid piece of ice literally or metaphorically. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. To enhance clarity in writing, consider specifying the size or dimensions of the ice block. While versatile, avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts to prevent clichés. Remember it's more appropriate to use "a" instead of "an" before "block".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chunk of ice

Replaces "block" with "chunk", suggesting a less regular shape or smaller piece.

a slab of ice

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

a sheet of ice

Uses "sheet" instead of "block", indicating a thin, expansive layer of ice.

an ice cube

Replaces "block of ice" with the more specific term "ice cube", referring to a small, regularly shaped piece of ice.

a frozen mass

Uses "frozen mass" as a more general term, not specifying the exact shape or size of the ice.

a piece of glacial ice

Specifies the origin of the ice as glacial, indicating a large, ancient formation.

a solid ice formation

Emphasizes the solidity and structure of the ice.

a cake of ice

Uses "cake" to describe a compact, often commercially produced, block of ice.

a frozen iceberg fragment

Suggests a smaller piece broken off from a larger iceberg.

a compact ice body

Emphasizes the density and defined shape of the ice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a block of ice" to describe a physical object, such as "The sculptor used "a block of ice" to create a stunning statue", or metaphorically, like "His heart felt like "a block of ice" after the bad news".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a chunk of ice", "a slab of ice", or simply "an ice cube" if referring to a smaller piece.

Is it correct to say "an block of ice" instead of "a block of ice"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct article to use before "block" is "a" because "block" starts with a consonant sound.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a block of ice"?

It's appropriate when describing a literal solid piece of frozen water or when using it metaphorically to describe something cold, unfeeling, or unchanging, such as someone having "a heart of ice".