Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
an outcropping of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "an outcropping of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a visible exposure of rock or mineral formations on the surface of the earth, often in geological contexts. Example: "The hikers were fascinated by the outcropping of granite that jutted out from the hillside."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
48 human-written examples
It was an outcropping of.
News & Media
Could the world be an outcropping of consciousness?
News & Media
It bounces off an outcropping of rocks that we didn't notice on our first expedition.
News & Media
Moores explains to him an outcropping of rock which had baffled Deffeyes.
News & Media
Approaching Bennett Park from Pinehurst Avenue, he stopped and pointed at an outcropping of Manhattan schist.
News & Media
Perhaps only mathematical entities are real, and our physical world is an "outcropping" of mathematics.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
12 human-written examples
The troupe paused and perched on an outcrop of rocks in the background.
News & Media
His España library-park, an outcrop of three monolithic structures, looms over the city from atop a surrounding hill.
News & Media
It may blend with the ground plane and appear to be rooted in the ground like an outcrop of rock.
Encyclopedias
The stone comes from only one place, an outcrop of the Preseli hills near Wainwright's home in Pembrokeshire.
News & Media
Christie's Roman specimen, which headlines its antiquities sale (June 4), is a depiction of Tyche carved in purple porphyry, seated pensively on an outcrop of rocks.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "an outcropping of", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a literal geological formation or a metaphorical emergence of something.
Common error
Avoid using "an outcropping of" in contexts where the idea of something physically protruding or emerging is not relevant. Overusing it in completely abstract situations can sound unnatural. Instead, opt for alternatives like "a result of" or "a manifestation of" for better clarity.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "an outcropping of" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or a modifier. It describes something that is visible or emerges from something else. As Ludwig explains, it's often used in geological contexts, but can also be used metaphorically.
Frequent in
News & Media
68%
Encyclopedias
13%
Science
9%
Less common in
Wiki
8%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "an outcropping of" is a versatile phrase, primarily used to describe something that emerges or becomes visible. While commonly associated with geological formations, it is also used metaphorically to describe trends or developments. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for various writing contexts. When using "an outcropping of", ensure it appropriately conveys the idea of something emerging from a larger entity to avoid misuse in abstract contexts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a projection of
Focuses on the act of extending outward or beyond a surface.
an extension of
Highlights the idea of something continuing or reaching out from something else.
a spur of
Implies a sudden burst or development from something else.
a branch of
Suggests a division or segment originating from a main entity.
a manifestation of
Emphasizes the visible or tangible form of something abstract.
an emergence of
Highlights the act of coming into view or becoming apparent.
a derivative of
Stresses the origin or source from which something is obtained.
a product of
Focuses on the result or outcome of a process or action.
a subset of
Indicates that something is a smaller part of a larger group.
a consequence of
Emphasizes the result or effect of a prior event or condition.
FAQs
How can I use "an outcropping of" in a sentence?
You can use "an outcropping of" to describe a visible rock formation, as in "The hikers admired the outcropping of granite on the mountain." Metaphorically, it can describe something emerging from something else, such as "The new trend was an outcropping of the previous year's fashion.".
What are some alternatives to "an outcropping of"?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a projection of", "an extension of", or "a manifestation of".
When is it appropriate to use "an outcropping of" metaphorically?
It's appropriate when describing something that emerges or becomes visible from a larger or underlying entity. For example, "The new wave of startups was an outcropping of the tech boom."
Is there a difference between "an outcropping of" and "an outcrop of"?
While both refer to a rock formation protruding from the earth, "an outcropping of" is slightly more common. Also "an outcrop of" "an outcrop of" can be used in both geological and metaphorical contexts, but both maintain the sense of something emerging or becoming visible.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested