a patch of stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patch of stone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small area or section of stone, often in a natural or outdoor context. Example: "As I walked through the garden, I stumbled upon a patch of stone that seemed out of place among the flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We stood and talked in the cemetery: a patch of stone and gravel on the edge of a rice field, with apple orchards on one side.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Eavis also donated a patch of land a stone's throw away from the farm for 22 social houses, each with their own allotment.

The Guardian - Music

The back table at Nightingale 9 overlooks the restaurant's garden in progress, a patch of broken sidewalk stone with an old bathtub wedged between wooden planters.

The New York Times - Food

"Look at this!" bristled Rita Paris, the Italian state archaeological official responsible for the Appian Way, peering through a weathered bamboo screen lining the road while bumpily maneuvering her car through a patch of uneven ancient stones.

The New York Times - Arts

Ian Hamilton Finlay's group of stone slabs arranged on a patch of grass includes inscriptions from the writings of Louis de Saint-Just (1767-94), a French Revolutionary leader.

The New York Times - Arts

It comprises a group of stone slabs arranged on a patch of grass with inscriptions from the writings of Louis de Saint-Just (1767-1794), a French revolutionary leader who was guillotined along with Robespierre.

The New York Times - Arts

They were huddled on an oval-shaped patch of stones, twenty-five feet across at its widest point.

The New Yorker

A possible, non-destructive sampling method is the application of so-called paper pulp poultices (PPP), a patch of wet cellulose fibres which is attached on the stone [5 8].

Heritage Science

On stage twelve in the small town Briançonnet in Provence, she missed a patch of ice and slid off the road, crashing into the stone wall of a large house at 110 km/h (70 mph).

Wikipedia

And across a patch of the borough that remains proudly, often willfully, disconnected from the rest, the stones have become synonymous with a New York seen as steadily slipping away in a hail of Duane Reades and $18 cocktails.

The New York Times

At the far edge of town he stopped in front of a centuries-old stone house, which had long been abandoned, and which looked out onto a patch of farmland and toward the sea beyond.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patch of stone" to vividly depict small, distinct areas of stone, often in contrast to surrounding materials like grass or gravel.

Common error

Avoid using "a patch of stone" when describing large, continuous stone surfaces; instead, opt for terms like "stone pavement" or "stone area".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patch of stone" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It denotes a limited area composed of stone, distinct from its surroundings. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a patch of stone" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a specific, limited area made of stone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, especially in news, media, and scientific publications. When writing, use "a patch of stone" to provide a visual description of a landscape, highlighting the presence and characteristics of a distinct stone area. Remember to consider alternatives like "a stone area" or "a rocky outcrop" if the scale or surrounding context requires a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stone area

Focuses on the area being made of stone, removing the implication of it being a distinct section.

a stone surface

Highlights the surface quality rather than the isolated nature of the area.

a section of stone

Emphasizes a specific portion of the stone material.

a rocky outcrop

Describes a naturally occurring stone formation protruding from the ground.

a paved area

Refers to a stone surface constructed for a specific purpose, like walking or driving.

a flagstone section

Specifies the area as made of flagstones, typically used for paving.

a stone fragment

Implies a broken or detached piece of stone.

a rocky patch

Swaps out stone for rock changing from a manufactured to a naturally formed material.

an area of rubble

Describes a disorganized collection of broken stones or debris.

a stone segment

Similar to 'section', but implies a more geometric or defined portion.

FAQs

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

You can use "a patch of stone" to describe a small area of stone that stands out from its surroundings. For example, "The garden featured "a patch of stone" surrounded by lush greenery."

What are some alternatives to "a patch of stone"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a stone area", "a section of stone", or "a rocky outcrop".

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

Yes, "a patch of stone" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as long as it accurately describes the scene or object you are depicting.

What's the difference between "a patch of stone" and "a pile of stones"?

"A patch of stone" refers to an area made of stone, often integrated into a larger surface or landscape, while "a pile of stones" describes a collection of loose, unorganized stones.