a sheet of ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sheet of ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a flat, thin layer of ice covering a surface, often in contexts related to weather, sports, or safety. Example: "The lake was covered with a sheet of ice, making it perfect for ice skating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The movie is as thrilling and painful as a sheet of ice held to the skin.

The Guardian - Film

They can step on a sheet of ice anywhere and feel at home.

The New York Times - Sports

The runway was a sheet of ice; I couldn't even see the tarmac through it.

The New York Times

This was like riding a skateboard on a sheet of ice.

The New Yorker

The snow was followed by rain and sleet, which formed a sheet of ice.

The New York Times

Seattle was a sheet of ice, and business was nil for weeks.

Harvard Business Review

The entire Northern Hemisphere encased in a sheet of ice, with uncountable casualties, including life as we know it.

The New York Times

It dates back 70-odd million years to a time when the Cape lay under a sheet of ice.

The New York Times

Massive storms destroy Western Europe, Manhattan is covered in a sheet of ice, and tornadoes blast Los Angeles.

The New York Times

"They come into the house and walk in on a sheet of ice on the carpet," Ms. Myers said.

The New York Times

The shockingly cold start to 2018 had produced a sheet of ice a firefighter could depend on.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a sheet of ice” in descriptive writing to create a sense of harshness, danger, or beauty. Consider how the ice interacts with light and surroundings.

Common error

Avoid using "a sheet of ice" interchangeably with terms like "glacier" or "iceberg". "A sheet of ice" typically refers to a thinner, more widespread layer, while glaciers and icebergs are much larger and more substantial.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a sheet of ice" is as a noun phrase, functioning as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sheet of ice" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a thin layer of ice covering a surface. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans both literal and figurative contexts, often conveying coldness, danger, or slipperiness. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like ""a layer of ice"" or ""an icy surface"" exist, "a sheet of ice" provides a vivid and readily understood image. When using this phrase, consider the specific qualities you want to emphasize to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a layer of ice

Replaces "sheet" with "layer", emphasizing the thickness rather than the surface.

a glaze of ice

Focuses on the smooth, transparent quality of the ice.

a film of ice

Highlights the thinness of the ice covering.

an icy surface

Emphasizes the characteristic of the surface being covered with ice.

a frozen expanse

Describes a wide area covered in ice.

a solid ice covering

Highlights the solidity and completeness of the ice.

a slick of ice

Focuses on the slipperiness of the ice.

an icy patch

Refers to a small area covered in ice.

a frozen crust

Suggests a brittle layer of ice on top of something.

an ice slick

A more concise term emphasizing the danger of slippery ice.

FAQs

How can I use "a sheet of ice" in a sentence?

You can use "a sheet of ice" to describe a literal layer of ice, as in "The pond was covered with "a sheet of ice"". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "His words were as cold as "a sheet of ice"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a sheet of ice"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a layer of ice", "a glaze of ice", or "an icy surface". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sheet of ice" or should it be "an sheet of ice"?

It is correct to say "a sheet of ice". The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound, and "sheet" begins with the consonant sound /ʃ/.

What is the difference between "a sheet of ice" and "a blanket of ice"?

"A sheet of ice" typically describes a thinner layer, while "a blanket of ice" implies a thicker, more extensive covering. The choice depends on the visual image you want to create.