a block of stone

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Seifert went on, "Truth is not a block of stone.

The New Yorker

He seized a block of stone and hurled it down.

The Guardian - Books

It's amazing what you could get out of a block of stone in those days.

The Guardian - Travel

His paintings became more sculptural, until one day he started carving a block of stone from the Brooklyn Bridge.

The New York Times - Arts

Trees seems to be locked in the ice, bowed by the weight of their casing, like statues struggling to become free of a block of stone.

The Guardian - Books

Besides, a bunch of sponges painted blue and stuck on top of a sinuous metallic rod rising from a block of stone requires some effort to work out its meaning — and modern buyers shun effort.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Central Altar occupies the heart of the chamber, carved from a block of the stone used in military cemeteries and contains the Books of Remembrance, inscribed with the names of Canadians who died in battle.

The Guardian

But for sheer technical virtuosity the most astonishing exhibit is a 3rd-century sarcophagus, carved from a single block of stone, showing the Romans fighting the Ostrogoths.

The Guardian - Travel

A rock climber has had his leg amputated after a large block of stone collapsed in Snowdonia, crashing into the main A5 road below.

BBC

In an earlier incident in the same area, a rock climber had to have his leg amputated after a large block of stone collapsed.

BBC

Like a big block of stone that's been cleft open with glazed canyons, the building brings natural light deep into its centre.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sculptures or architectural elements, use "a block of stone" to emphasize the raw material before it's shaped. For example, "Michelangelo started with a block of stone to create David".

Common error

Avoid using "a block of stone" as a metaphor for people's emotions or personalities too frequently. While it can effectively convey stoicism or inflexibility, overuse can lead to cliché. Consider alternatives like "unyielding" or "impassive" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block of stone" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in describing a tangible object, specifically a solid piece of stone. It can also function metaphorically, representing something unyielding or a starting point for creation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a block of stone" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase across diverse writing styles. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and utility in describing a solid stone piece, often linked to construction, sculpture, or geological contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When considering alternatives, phrases like "a stone block" or "a chunk of rock" can offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overuse in figurative language to maintain freshness and impact. Overall, Ludwig's analysis indicates "a block of stone" is a versatile and appropriate expression for both literal and metaphorical applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stone block

Reorders the words while maintaining the same meaning.

a chunk of rock

Replaces "stone" with "rock" and "block" with "chunk", implying a rougher, less refined piece.

a slab of rock

Replaces "block" with "slab", suggesting a flatter, broader piece of rock.

a solid rock mass

Emphasizes the solidity and size of the rock formation.

a mass of stone

Focuses on the quantity of stone, implying a larger, less defined shape.

a rocky fragment

Suggests a smaller, broken-off piece of rock.

a piece of quarried stone

Highlights the origin of the stone from a quarry.

a stone cube

Specifies the shape as a cube, implying a more regular form.

a segment of bedrock

Indicates that the stone is part of the underlying geological structure.

a monolithic stone

Emphasizes that the stone is a single, large, undivided piece.

FAQs

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

You can use "a block of stone" to describe the raw material used in sculptures, buildings, or other constructions. For example, "The sculptor began with "a block of stone" to create the statue".

What are some synonyms for "a block of stone"?

Alternatives include "a stone block", "a chunk of rock", or "a slab of rock". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "a block of stone" or "a stone block"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "A block of stone" emphasizes the material's raw, unshaped nature, while "a stone block" can imply a more regular, construction-ready shape. The choice depends on the context.

What is the significance of "a block of stone" in art?

In art, "a block of stone" often symbolizes potential, the raw material from which masterpieces are created. It represents the artist's challenge and opportunity to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.