a slab of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slab of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a thick, flat piece of bread, often in a culinary context or when discussing food portions. Example: "For breakfast, I had a slab of bread topped with avocado and a sprinkle of salt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Spread the pesto on a slab of bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For comfort food, it would be difficult to do much better than the "soggy toast": a slab of bread, smothered in oyster mushrooms and pan juices, topped with a poached egg.

The New Yorker

Another option, more frequently encountered, is a wooden skewer of three immense and golden deep-fried mussels that can be eaten plain with a sharp, creamy garlic sauce, or slid from their skewer, sandwiched in a slab of bread by the vendor and slathered with the sauce.

The New York Times - Travel

Here at THUMP we love nothing more than sitting back with a slab of bread and butter, a refreshing glass of tap water, and a whole load of Robert Hood records.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The pappa al pomodoro, a Tuscan tomato and bread soup rich with vibrant tomato flavor, was topped with a slab of grilled bread spread with ricotta.

The New York Times

Steamed mussels crowned with a slab of grilled bread were sweet and plump, and baked clams were given a flavor boost by a drizzle of lemon oil.

The New York Times

Also topnotch was a fricassee of California snails, mushrooms, pine nuts and asparagus tips in a roasted garlic butter, mounded on a slab of country bread.

The New York Times

It's a pale, unsalted, cultured butter with a lovely whiff of pungency that gives it real character on a slab of country bread.

The New York Times

And what else does he need for his tuna salad, prepared with homemade mayonnaise, but a hearty slab of bread?

The New York Times

Sit down at one of the community tables, take a slab of plain white bread from a plastic sleeve and feast.

The New York Times - Travel

They carry away cardboard squares sagging under the weight of a pair of sausages, a dollop of sharp mustard, and a slab of chewy rye bread or a kaiser roll.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slab of bread" to vividly describe a thick or substantial piece of bread, particularly in culinary contexts or when emphasizing the portion size.

Common error

While "a slab of bread" is acceptable, it may sound too informal in formal writing. Opt for "a thick slice of bread" or "a substantial portion of bread" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slab of bread" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a countable noun modified by the indefinite article 'a' and the noun 'slab'. It describes a distinct and measurable quantity of bread. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a grammatically sound construction, used to describe a thick, flat piece of bread.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slab of bread" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a thick piece of bread. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in various contexts. While primarily found in news and media, it is less common in formal settings. Alternatives include "a piece of bread" or "a chunk of bread", which may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality. Use "a slab of bread" when you want to emphasize the substantial size and rustic nature of the bread portion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of bread

Is a more general term for any portion of bread, lacking the implication of thickness.

a hunk of bread

Implies an irregular, roughly cut piece, unlike the more uniform "slab".

a slab of toast

Specifies the form is toast, changing the general reference.

a block of bread

Suggests a more regular and geometric shape, deviating from the natural form.

a sheet of bread

Emphasizes thinness and flatness, differing from the thickness implied by "slab".

a slab of pan

Refers specifically to 'pan' bread, changing the general reference to a specific kind.

a slab of dough

Refers to unbaked bread, where the focus is shifted from the baked product.

a slab of butter

Changes from bread to butter. Focuses on a quantity of butter and not bread itself.

a slab of cake

Changes to cake. Focuses on a quantity of cake and not bread itself.

a plate of bread

Focuses on the presentation of bread, not its form.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slab of bread" to describe a thick or substantial piece of bread, for example: "He ate "a slab of bread" with butter and jam for breakfast."

What is a suitable alternative to "a slab of bread"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "a piece of bread", "a chunk of bread", or "a thick slice of bread".

Is there a difference between "a slab of bread" and "a slice of bread"?

"A slab of bread" typically implies a thicker, less uniform cut than "a slice of bread", which suggests a thinner, more even cut.

When is it appropriate to use "a slab of bread" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the size and thickness of the bread, often in informal or culinary contexts. Avoid using it in formal writing where more precise language might be preferred.