a block of text

USAGE SUMMARY

"a block of text" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this term to describe a section of text that is fairly long and consists of more than just one sentence. For example, "Within the essay, I will discuss the key points of the argument and present my conclusion in a block of text at the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Take just one example: the ease of moving a block of text.

The New Yorker

On any given page you will see a block of text starting on the left top.

Yale University

At these sites, users can input a block of text, and a machine-generated translation pops up almost instantaneously.

The New York Times

"If you have inflammatory bowel disease (I.B.D ., life can feel like a three-ring circus," continues a block of text.

The New York Times

A signature is a block of text that appears automatically at the end of the messages you send.

Cornell University

For the first time, we encounter a block of text rather than short questions to elicit answers.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Note 8 S Pen also features a translation feature, which means you can highlight text with the pen via hovering, which will then provide a block of translated text in your primary language.

TechCrunch

In September she posted a picture of a positive pregnancy test, and a block of enigmatic text: "Well everyone I have some news to announce, it's scary yet exciting.

The Guardian

It's all a block of meaningless text.

Vice

Previous studies have presented patient scenarios as a block of descriptive text.

BMC Health Services Research

You might want to add a title, captions or a short block of text that sums up your memories in a catchy way.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to specific content within a document, use "a block of text" to clearly indicate the section being discussed. This phrase works well when describing formatting or layout.

Common error

Don't use "a block of text" when a more specific term like "paragraph", "section", or "excerpt" would provide greater clarity. Ensure your choice accurately reflects the length and structure of the text you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a block of text" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify a segment or portion of written content. It is commonly used to describe the visual layout or structure of text, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a block of text" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to a segment of written content. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including news, academia, and technical writing. While generally neutral, it's essential to choose more specific terms like "paragraph" or "section" when appropriate to enhance clarity. The phrase enjoys frequent use in news and media, as well as academic circles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a section of text

Focuses on the text as part of a larger document.

a passage of text

Implies a continuous segment, often from a book or article.

a chunk of text

Informal, suggesting a large or undefined portion of text.

a segment of writing

Emphasizes the act of writing and its result.

a body of writing

Refers to a substantial amount of written material.

a textual excerpt

Formal, indicating a portion taken from a larger text.

a portion of the document

Highlights the part belonging to a document as a whole.

a series of sentences

Describes the text using its component structure.

a paragraph

More specific, referring to a distinct section within a text.

a wall of text

Often used negatively to describe a large, intimidating block of text.

FAQs

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

You can use "a block of text" to refer to a segment of writing, for example: "The design software allows you to easily move "a block of text" around the page."

What's the difference between "a block of text" and "a paragraph"?

"A block of text" is a more general term that can refer to any segment of writing, while "a paragraph" is a specific unit of writing that consists of one or more sentences focusing on a single idea.

What can I say instead of "a block of text"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a section of text", "a passage of text", or "a chunk of text".

Is "a wall of text" the same as "a block of text"?

While both refer to segments of writing, "a wall of text" usually has a negative connotation, describing a large and often overwhelming segment of text that is difficult to read. "A block of text" is neutral.