as a block

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a block" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of items or people considered collectively rather than individually. Example: "The committee voted as a block to approve the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I see it as a block".

The New Yorker

These countries, along with South Africa, negotiate as a block.

The Guardian

The wallpaper had been done originally as a block print.

The New York Times - Arts

Socrates describes memory "as a block of wax".

The New York Times

The group does not always vote as a block.

The Economist

On the computer module, a fraction appeared as a block.

The New York Times - Health

Three commands - two add_region and one add_label - are marked as a block.

Harvard University

Use a sturdy tree as a block around which to pull the rope.

Princeton University

§ 3203.11 Under what circumstances may parcels be offered as a block for competitive sale?

Cornell University

You will use this interface to access the swap partition as a block device.

Stanford University

Particularly if you then join forces with other institutions and buy as a block.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing group behavior or statistical analysis, ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes the "block". This clarifies whether you are referring to voters, data sets, or physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "as a block" without clearly defining the constituents. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity. Be specific about what the "block" comprises to ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a block" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate how an action is performed collectively or as a single unit. Examples from Ludwig, such as voting "as a block", illustrate this function. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a block" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adverbial phrase, as verified by Ludwig. It signifies collective action or unified treatment, appearing predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility, from describing voting patterns to statistical analysis. While alternatives like "collectively" and "as a unit" exist, "as a block" often conveys a more structured or organized collective. When using this phrase, ensure the composition of the "block" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collectively

Focuses on the action being done by a group together.

as a unit

Highlights the unified nature of the group or elements.

in unison

Emphasizes the coordinated action or agreement of the group.

as a whole

Stresses the completeness and unified view of the subject.

jointly

Indicates a shared or cooperative action among members.

in aggregate

Refers to the combination of multiple elements into a single sum or total.

as a body

Implies an organized group acting with a single purpose or decision.

all together

Highlights the inclusion of all members or elements in the action.

in bulk

Refers to handling or purchasing items in large quantities.

as an entity

Emphasizes viewing a group or organization as a single, distinct unit.

FAQs

How can I use "as a block" in a sentence?

You can use "as a block" to describe a group acting together, like "The senators voted "as a block" on the bill", or to describe data handled collectively, as in "The data was analyzed "as a block"".

What are some alternatives to using "as a block"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "collectively", "as a unit", or "in unison" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "as a block"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a group is acting together or that items are being treated as a single unit. This is common in political science, statistics, and engineering.

Is there a difference between using "as a block" and "as a group"?

While both phrases indicate collectivity, "as a block" often implies a more structured or organized unit, especially in contexts like voting or data analysis. "As a group" is generally more informal and can refer to any collection of individuals.