a stone fragment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stone fragment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small piece or shard of stone, often in contexts related to archaeology, geology, or construction. Example: "During the excavation, we discovered a stone fragment that appeared to be part of an ancient tool."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Under Klis, in Rižinice, the duke Trpimir built a church and the first Benedictine monastery in Croatia, which is known from the discovery of a stone fragment on a gable arch from an altar screen, inscribed with the duke's name and title.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Avraham Biran, an archaeologist of biblical sites who excavated Tel Dan, an ancient city along Israel's northern border, and uncovered an unexpected stone fragment bearing what might be the earliest reference to the House of David, died on Sept. 16 in Jerusalem.

The New York Times

A small (10-mm) residual stone fragment detected in a single calyx was not considered responsible for the haematuria.

Insights into Imaging

It has been proposed that stone fragment clearance with a new spiral Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) is faster than with a standard Double-J stent.

The Journal of Urology

We analyze ~20 μm-thick stone fragment sections polished on both sides using a wide range of optical microscopy (250 nm-resolution), which include brightfield, phase contrast, polarization, single- and two-photon spectral confocal, and fluorescence lifetime imaging.

Nature

The inscribed stone fragment, which had been used as construction material at a fort, didn't acquire any significance until it was noticed by Napoleon's soldiers and examined by the scholars on the expedition.

The New York Times - Science

Integrated geology and biology (geobiology) techniques are applied within the chronological and spatial framework of crystal growth and stratigraphic layering patterns (crystalline architecture) that comprise each stone fragment.

Nature

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic treatment of renal calculi relies on surgeon assessment of residual stone fragment size for either basket removal or for the passage of fragments postoperatively.

Duke University

These findings could be generalized to state that endourologists are accurately able to intraoperatively assess residual stone fragment size to guide decision making.

Duke University

Then, like the mini-PCNL, small fragmented stones (≤3 mm) will pass around the endoscope and wash out through the sheath, whereas there is no capability of stone fragment retrieval via 4.8 Fr sheath during microperc.

BioMed Research International

Stone fragment extraction by combined ET/ESWL therapy was successful in 67 of 98 patients (74.5%), while that by additional EHL was successful in 7 patients (7.1%; 3 cases with the SpyGlass system and 4 cases with direct EHL).

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing archaeological finds, use "a stone fragment" to specifically denote a broken piece of a larger stone object.

Common error

Avoid using "a stone fragment" metaphorically when describing abstract or non-physical concepts. This phrase is best reserved for literal, physical pieces of stone.

Linguistic Context

A stone fragment functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a tangible entity, specifically a broken piece of stone. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stone fragment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it serves a descriptive function across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While its register remains neutral, alternative phrasing like "a piece of stone" or ""a rock fragment"" may offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use this phrase literally, denoting a physical piece of stone, and consider the context for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of stone

Simple substitution of "fragment" with "piece", maintaining the same meaning.

a rock fragment

Replaces "stone" with "rock", which is a broader term, but the meaning remains very close.

a shard of stone

"Shard" implies a sharp, broken piece, adding a nuance of shape but retaining the core concept.

a stone shard

Inverts the word order while maintaining the same meaning as "a shard of stone".

a fragment of rock

Replaces "stone" with "rock", and changes the word order slightly, maintaining similar meaning.

a rock sliver

"Sliver" suggests a thin, narrow fragment, altering the specific imagery while conveying a similar idea.

a chip of stone

"Chip" implies a small piece broken off, indicating size but preserving the core concept.

a stone splinter

"Splinter" suggests a small, sharp fragment, similar to "sliver" but specifically of stone.

a portion of stone

Substitutes "fragment" for "portion", widening the description from being necessarily broken, but retaining the idea of being a small part.

a remnant of stone

Replaces "fragment" with "remnant", suggesting a surviving piece, adding the nuance of something left over.

FAQs

How is "a stone fragment" typically used in a sentence?

It's often used to describe archaeological finds, geological samples, or pieces of damaged structures. For example, "The archaeologist discovered "a stone fragment" that appeared to be part of an ancient tool".

What's the difference between "a stone fragment" and "a rock fragment"?

While similar, "stone" often implies a worked or shaped rock, whereas "rock" is more generic. So, "a stone fragment" may suggest part of a building or tool, while "a rock fragment" could be a naturally broken piece.

What can I say instead of "a stone fragment" if I want to emphasize the sharpness of the piece?

You might use "a stone shard" or "a stone sliver" to emphasize the sharp, broken nature of the piece.

Is it correct to use "a stone fragment" to describe a small piece of any kind of stone?

Yes, "a stone fragment" is generally appropriate for any small piece of stone. However, be mindful of the context, as terms like ""a rock fragment"" may be more suitable if the material is clearly a natural, unworked rock.