ball of cheese

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of cheese" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a round shape or form of cheese, often in a culinary context or when discussing food. Example: "For the appetizer, she served a delightful ball of cheese rolled in herbs and spices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nostalgia buffs may roll the two into a single ball of cheese, but discerning moviegoers know that "Debbie" is hard-core porn.

The New York Times

That sea-wind foam is aerated clam juice; the restaurant's mozzarella balloon, an invention of the pioneering Chicago chef Grant Achatz, is made by blasting carbon dioxide into a ball of cheese curd.

The New York Times

The man may be a herculean ball of cheese, but he has umpteen hit songs and big puppy dog eyes - and these can carry someone an awful long way.

The Guardian - Music

Slit each chile lengthwise halfway and gently stuff a ball of cheese into each.

Los Angeles Times

Yes, I admit it, I become one big ball of cheese.

HuffPost

But then, mozzarella curd scraps are stuffed into the inside of the ball of cheese, and then they get topped off with fresh cream.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The classes are about an hour and 40 minutes and yield about eight large balls of cheese per team of two people.

The New York Times

Inside the main room a slender stringed instrument called a cifteli hung on the wall above a barrel filled with bowling balls of cheese.

The New York Times - Travel

Seven hundred varieties, all from Britain, in a town square where there are tastings, workshops, buskers, a brass band and bowling with balls of cheese.

The New York Times - Travel

The finished product, balls of cheese ranging in size from cherry tomato to heavyweight's fist, sits submerged in vats of water.

The New York Times

There are arancine — crisp balls of cheese, rice and black truffle — and sometimes a quenelle of goat cheese laid over minced black olives to make a canapé the size of a toy lipstick.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a dish, specify the type of cheese used in the "ball of cheese" to provide more context and appeal to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "ball of cheese" as a generic term for any cheese product. Be specific about the cheese type and preparation method for clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ball of cheese" is as a noun phrase, acting as a direct object or subject complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific form or preparation of cheese. Ludwig AI validates this use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Food

30%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ball of cheese" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a round or spherical form of cheese. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Although not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news articles, food-related content, and travel writing, making it versatile across various registers. While the phrase is generally neutral, writers should aim for specificity, indicating the type of cheese and its preparation method when possible. Alternatives like "round of cheese" or "cheese sphere" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. Common errors include overgeneralization, so clarity is key when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

round of cheese

Substitutes "ball" with "round", emphasizing the shape.

wheel of cheese

Specifically describes a large, circular cheese form.

cheese sphere

Replaces "ball" with a more formal synonym "sphere".

cheese orb

Uses "orb" instead of "ball", providing a slightly more whimsical feel.

cheese globe

Replaces "ball" with "globe", suggesting a larger, more substantial cheese form.

cheese croquette

Specifies a small, fried cheese ball.

lump of cheese

Emphasizes the mass of cheese rather than the shape.

cheese nugget

Implies a smaller, less defined shape than a ball.

block of cheese

Refers to a more solid, geometric form.

cheese dumpling

Suggests a cheese ball encased in dough or another substance.

FAQs

How can I use "ball of cheese" in a sentence?

You can use "ball of cheese" to describe a round cheese formation, like "The appetizer included a delicious "ball of cheese" rolled in herbs."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "ball of cheese"?

Consider using more descriptive terms like "cheese sphere", "wheel of cheese", or "round of cheese", depending on the shape and type of cheese.

Is "ball of cheese" formal or informal?

"Ball of cheese" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for most contexts. However, more formal descriptions might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What is the difference between "ball of cheese" and "cheese ball"?

While similar, "cheese ball" typically refers to a specific dish made from cheese, while "ball of cheese" is a more generic description of a cheese's shape.