a melting of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a melting of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of blending or combining different elements, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The festival was a melting of cultures, showcasing traditions from around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Behind the grins, it was tempting to see a melting of a half-century of hostility across the Korean peninsula, one of the world's most dangerous flashpoints.

The New York Times

A momentary fondu, a "melting" bend of the supporting knee (as opposed to fondue, a melting of Gruyère cheese) and she's into the next step.

The Guardian

Their bluffs and showdowns, alternately scary and comical, become a furious duet in which the house, functioning as therapist, fosters a melting of resistance so that the circulation, to paraphrase Freud, can make its way into previously cut-off regions.

The New York Times

But for too many women (and men) in this country today, infidelity, even the suspicion, becomes a melting of an entire sense of self; and this, and Jones's eyes, conveyed this with all the passion and illogic one could hope for.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We're all headed for a big thaw, of course, not to mention a melting of all hearts within a 20-mile radius, but Lee and Buck know how to spring their big moments from within small jack-in-the-box surprises.

The Guardian - Film

The process begins with a melting of the glass substrate and separation by density of molecules.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It beat, by almost a month, the previous record for a melt of more than 10%, on 5 May 2010.

The Guardian

A mountain of gorgeous fresh parsley and a scattering of pignoli and pomegranate seeds took grilled portobellos under a melt of Parmesan out of the ordinary.

The New York Times

The cathode was custom made by coating a melt of silver chloride on silver wire.

BioMed Research International

They are expressions of a melting pot of personalities conveying an interchangeable message of optimism.

Huffington Post

The city of Kashgar is a melting pot of nationalities where East and West meet.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a melting of" to metaphorically describe a process where distinct entities blend or lose their individual characteristics, creating a unified whole, for example, "a melting of cultures".

Common error

Avoid using "a melting of" solely for literal melting, such as ice or metal. In such cases, use more direct language like "the melting of the ice" or "the metal melted."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a melting of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a process or state where distinct elements combine or lose their individual identities. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a melting of" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the blending or combining of different elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable expression. It appears frequently in both News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility. While it can refer to literal melting, it's more often used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts. Related phrases include ""a blending of"" and ""a fusion of"". When writing, it's best to use "a melting of" to describe distinct entities losing individual characteristics and forming a unified whole, and to avoid overuse in purely literal melting contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blending of

Focuses on the smooth combination of elements, suggesting harmony and integration.

a fusion of

Emphasizes the merging of different elements into a new, unified entity.

an integration of

Highlights the process of combining parts into a functioning whole.

a merging of

Suggests a closer combination than "a blending of", with elements losing their individual identities.

a coalescence of

Implies elements coming together to form a larger mass or whole, often naturally.

a dissolving of

Emphasizes the breaking down of barriers or distinctions between elements.

a breakdown of

Focuses on the process of something being reduced into smaller elements or simpler forms.

a diminution of

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, intensity, or importance.

an erosion of

Implies a gradual wearing away or weakening of something over time.

a waning of

Focuses on the decreasing power, influence, or prominence of something.

FAQs

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

"A melting of" is typically used to describe the combination or blending of different elements, such as "a melting of cultures" or "a melting of opinions".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a melting of"?

Alternatives include "a blending of", "a fusion of", or "an integration of", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a melting of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a melting of" can be used in formal writing when describing the metaphorical blending or combining of different elements, as demonstrated in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

What's the difference between "a melting of" and "a melting pot of"?

"A melting of" describes the process of blending, while "a melting pot of" describes a place or situation where different cultures or ideas mix together.