a stick of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stick of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific quantity or unit of a long, thin object, often in the context of food items like butter or gum. Example: "I need to buy a stick of butter for the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or a stick of Dynamite?

The New Yorker

(Pops a stick of nicotine gum).

The New Yorker

"Have a stick of Beech-Nut gum".

The New Yorker

Ate a stick of celery.

The Guardian

It is a stick of oak.

The New Yorker

They've made a flag out of a stick of rock.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or my dentist offering me a stick of rock.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's tatooed on me like a stick of rock.

The Guardian

"Not a stick of pot in 10 years".

The New York Times - Style

Some sound harmless as a stick of gum.

The New York Times

A stick of deodorant was placed on the floor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a quantity of something long and thin, such as butter or gum, "a stick of" is a clear and concise way to specify the amount. For example, "The recipe calls for half "a stick of" butter."

Common error

Avoid using "a stick of" for items that are not typically shaped like sticks. For example, while you can say "a stick of gum", it would be incorrect to say "a stick of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stick of" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun, specifying a single unit of a particular item, typically one that is long and thin. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, such as "a stick of butter" or "a stick of gum".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

30%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a stick of" is a common and grammatically correct way to quantify items that are long and thin. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used across various contexts, from news articles to everyday recipes. When writing, ensure the item you're quantifying naturally fits the "stick" shape to avoid misapplication. Alternatives such as "a piece of" or "a bar of" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The frequency and source diversity indicates that "a stick of" is well-understood and widely accepted in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of

Replaces "stick" with "piece", emphasizing a portion or fragment of something.

a bar of

Similar to "stick", especially when referring to items like chocolate or soap.

a unit of

More formal and general, indicating a single item within a larger set.

an item of

Broadly refers to a single thing, less specific than "stick".

a length of

Emphasizes the dimension of length, suitable for items that are long and thin.

a sprig of

Applicable for herbs or small branches, indicating a small portion.

a portion of

Highlights a part or share of something, often food.

a segment of

Refers to a distinct part of a whole, typically implying division.

a sprig of

Commonly used when talking about herbs

a stalk of

Describes the stem of a plant, like celery or rhubarb.

FAQs

How is "a stick of" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a stick of" is used to quantify items that are long and thin. Examples include "a stick of butter", "a stick of gum", or "a stick of celery".

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

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

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a stick of"?

Yes, it's incorrect to use "a stick of" for items that don't naturally come in a long, thin shape. For example, it would be unusual to say "a stick of sugar" or "a stick of water".

What's the difference between "a stick of" and "a piece of"?

"A stick of" implies a specific, elongated shape, while "a piece of" is more general and can refer to a fragment of any shape. You might use "a stick of celery" because celery naturally grows in that form, but "a piece of" cake because cake can be cut into various shapes.