a cake of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cake of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a solid block or piece of something, often in reference to soap or cheese. Example: "I bought a cake of soap to use in the bathroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Watch as Fey shows "Weekend Update" anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che all about "sheet caking". Then, get ready to order a cake of your own.

HuffPost

"You can't strike a match on a cake of soap".

The New York Times

There's only one of me, and I don't use a cake of soap in two months.

The New Yorker

To finish the meal, I suggested a cake of orange, almond and olive oil.

The New York Times - Magazine

I realized I could not even buy a cake of soap.

The New Yorker

Imagine a cake of many layers, each representing the bank's liabilities.

The Economist

A Burma-Shave shaving brush and a cake of Colgate Shaving Mug Soap.

The New York Times

There we first tasted fiadone, a cake of brocciu cheese with a hint of lemon.

The New York Times - Travel

Frequently, in addition to small change, she gives a bum a cake of soap.

The New Yorker

Turnbull said the economy was not like a cake of fixed size but rather was dynamic.

The Guardian

The model describes unsaturated liquid flow through a cake of solid particles sliding along a conical screen basket.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing quantities of solid or semi-solid substances like soap or compressed materials, "a cake of" provides a clear and concise image. Use it when you want to emphasize the form factor or the solid, contained nature of the substance.

Common error

Avoid using "a cake of" when referring to liquids or items that are not typically formed into solid shapes. For instance, saying "a cake of water" would be incorrect; instead, use "a glass of water" or "a body of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cake of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun and describing a specific quantity or form of the noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide application across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cake of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a solid mass of something, often soap or food items. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct and acceptable across a range of contexts. While most prevalent in news and media, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the solid, somewhat formed nature of the described object. When seeking alternatives, consider "a block of", "a bar of", or "a piece of" based on the specific item and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a block of

Replaces "cake" with "block", suggesting a more geometric or solid shape.

a bar of

Uses "bar" instead of "cake", often implying a rectangular or elongated shape, especially for soap.

a chunk of

Substitutes "cake" with "chunk", indicating an irregular and roughly hewn piece.

a piece of

Employs "piece" for "cake", denoting a portion or fragment.

a wad of

Replaces "cake" with "wad", implying a compressed or crumpled mass.

a slab of

Uses "slab" in place of "cake", suggesting a broad, flat piece.

a layer of

Employs "layer", emphasizing a flat, spread-out accumulation rather than a solid mass.

a mound of

Replaces "cake" with "mound", suggesting a heap or pile.

a portion of

Uses "portion" to indicate a serving or allocated amount, shifting focus from the form to the quantity.

a mass of

Substitutes "cake" with "mass", emphasizing the bulk quantity or density.

FAQs

How can I use "a cake of" in a sentence?

You can use "a cake of" to describe a solid block or piece of something. For example, "She bought "a cake of soap" for the guest bathroom" or "The chef presented "a cake of risotto" as an appetizer".

What can I say instead of "a cake of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a block of", "a bar of", or "a piece of". The best choice depends on what you're describing.

Is it correct to use "a cake of" for substances other than soap?

Yes, while commonly used for soap, "a cake of" can describe other solid or semi-solid items pressed into a shape, like "a cake of rice" or "a cake of chocolate".

What's the difference between "a cake of" and "a piece of"?

"A cake of" generally implies a certain shape or form, as if molded, while ""a piece of"" is more generic and can refer to any fragment or portion. For example, you might have "a cake of soap" but "a piece of cake".