an outcropping of

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was an outcropping of.

The New Yorker

Could the world be an outcropping of consciousness?

The New York Times - Books

It bounces off an outcropping of rocks that we didn't notice on our first expedition.

The New Yorker

Moores explains to him an outcropping of rock which had baffled Deffeyes.

The New Yorker

Approaching Bennett Park from Pinehurst Avenue, he stopped and pointed at an outcropping of Manhattan schist.

The New Yorker

Perhaps only mathematical entities are real, and our physical world is an "outcropping" of mathematics.

The New York Times - Books

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.

The Guardian - Arts

His España library-park, an outcrop of three monolithic structures, looms over the city from atop a surrounding hill.

The Guardian - Arts

It may blend with the ground plane and appear to be rooted in the ground like an outcrop of rock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The stone comes from only one place, an outcrop of the Preseli hills near Wainwright's home in Pembrokeshire.

The Guardian

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.

The New Yorker

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.

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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

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.