a cube

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cube" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a three-dimensional geometric shape with six equal square faces. Example: "To solve the puzzle, you need to visualize how the pieces fit together to form a cube."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The baking sheets form a cube.

The New York Times

"There's not a cube in town.

The New Yorker

I take a cube from the bowl.

The New York Times - Health

A cube doesn't have a constant width.

The New York Times

Technically, that is a cube steak.

The New York Times

A cube (a four-sided trapeze, above) portrays the rooftop.

The New York Times - Arts

But you've got a cube, so it's the edges.

The New York Times

If you're bad, she takes away a cube.

The New York Times

A cube, for example, would create a very bumpy ride.

The New York Times

You're in a cube of light, basically, facing the Hudson.

The New York Times

AIDE: You have to live in a cube now.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex structures, use "a cube" as a foundational element to provide a clear geometric reference point for readers.

Common error

Avoid using "a cube" metaphorically when a simpler term like "block" or "chunk" would suffice, especially if the object lacks precise geometric properties. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cube" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it is used to denote a three-dimensional geometric shape.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cube" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to describe a specific geometric shape, and it appears most often in scientific, news, and general informational sources. While versatile, overusing it in non-geometric contexts should be avoided for clarity. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's widespread applicability and importance in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regular hexahedron

More technically specific, indicates equal sides and angles.

a cuboid

Refers to a rectangular prism, generalizing from the specific case of a cube.

a square prism

Emphasizes the square faces of the cube and its prismatic form.

a hexahedron

Describes a polyhedron with six faces, which includes a cube but isn't limited to it.

a three-dimensional square

Describes the cube by its dimensions and the shape of its faces.

a cubic shape

Indicates an object resembling a cube, potentially without perfectly equal sides.

a solid block

Adds emphasis to the physical properties of the cube.

a block

A more general term for a solid, often rectangular, object.

a six-sided solid

Focuses on the number of faces, generalizing the shape to any six-sided object.

a die

Specifically refers to a small cube used in games of chance.

FAQs

How can I use "a cube" in a sentence?

You can use "a cube" to describe a three-dimensional shape with six equal square faces, such as: "The artist sculpted the clay into "a cube"."

What's a more technical term for "a cube"?

A more technical term for "a cube" is "a regular hexahedron", emphasizing its six faces and regularity.

What can I say instead of "a cube" when referring to a general block shape?

If you're referring to a general block shape that isn't necessarily perfectly cubic, you could use terms like "a block", "a chunk", or "a lump".

Is "a cube" always geometrically precise?

While "a cube" implies a geometrically precise shape, in some contexts, it might be used loosely to describe objects that are approximately cubic. Always consider the context to ensure accuracy.