a slab of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slab of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a thick, flat piece of material, often food, such as meat or stone. Example: "He ordered a slab of ribs at the barbecue restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food descriptions

Material descriptions

Figurative language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The stove is a slab of lava.

The New Yorker

He scored a slab of Gorwydd Caerphilly.

The New York Times - Food

A slab of coffee chocolate.

The New Yorker

Lunch is just a slab of meat.

The Guardian - Film

Good eaten alone, or with a slab of mature cheddar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It comes piled on a slab of meltingly tender eggplant.

The New York Times

Spread the pesto on a slab of bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Paul might as well be a slab of meat.

The New Yorker

Roll a slab of clay 1/4-inch thick.

The New York Times - Magazine

A slab of St Emilion au chocolat was heart-stopping.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The walls, floor, the desk, the sink, even the bed a slab of concrete.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slab of" to vividly describe something thick and flat, like "a slab of chocolate cake" or "a slab of granite". This imagery adds weight and texture to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a slab of" for immaterial things. It's better to describe abstract quantities with alternatives like "a large amount of" rather than forcing the concrete image of a slab.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slab of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a determiner followed by a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a thick, flat piece of material or food, providing a vivid and concrete image. It modifies the noun that follows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slab of" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe something thick and flat. According to Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and found across diverse contexts, from news to informal writing. When writing, remember to use it for tangible objects and avoid forcing it on abstract ideas for clarity and impact. Remember alternatives like "a piece of" or "a chunk of" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian, showing its widespread use in reputable media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of

Generic term for a portion; less specific about shape and thickness.

a chunk of

Implies a rough or irregular shape; less refined than "slab".

a block of

Suggests a three-dimensional, often rectangular form.

a layer of

Indicates a thin covering or stratum.

a sheet of

Implies a wide, thin expanse.

a segment of

Suggests a section or division of a whole.

a wedge of

Typically used for portions cut from a round object.

a square of

Describes a portion with four equal sides.

a cut of

Often refers to a piece of meat.

a portion of

A serving or allotted amount.

FAQs

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

Use "a slab of" to describe a thick, flat piece of something. For example, "He ate "a slab of meat" for dinner" or "The countertop was made from "a slab of marble"".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a piece of", "a chunk of", or "a block of".

Is it correct to use "a slab of" for abstract concepts?

While technically grammatically correct, using "a slab of" for abstract concepts may sound awkward. It's generally better suited for tangible items. Use alternatives like "a lot of" or "a great deal of" for intangible things.

What's the difference between "a slab of" and "a slice of"?

"A slab of" implies a thicker, heavier piece, while "a slice of" suggests a thin, often angled cut. For example, you'd have "a slab of concrete", but "a slice of bread".