ball of rock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of rock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a spherical object made of rock, often in a geological or astronomical context. Example: "The planet Mars is often referred to as a ball of rock due to its rocky surface and composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Pluto, a small ball of rock and ice, does not fall into either group.

The New York Times

Mercury has always appeared a dead, crater-scarred ball of rock with little of interest for the discerning astronomer.

MIT Technology Review

The boy, on tiptoe, touched a finger to the thing Colman had indicated, a flaming ball of rock trailing dust and comets.

The New Yorker

Crystal gazing, also called scrying, divination of distant or future events based on visions seen in a ball of rock crystal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the meantime, Mercury has shown that it is far from the small, uninteresting ball of rock that many astronomers had assumed.

The Guardian

Nobody really wants to accept that we're just a colony of organisms hurtling through a void on a ball of rock.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

These planets are roughly half again as large as Earth and are presumably balls of rock, perhaps covered by oceans with humid, cloudy skies, although that is at best a highly educated guess.

The New York Times - Science

Right underneath the iridium was a layer of 'spherules', tiny balls of rock which seemed to have been condensed from rock which had been vapourised by a massive impact.

BBC

The eight-ball of rock HardWhite received was flurry enough that he couldn't even swallow it in any hole other than his anus.

Vice

Planets like this, covered in lush grass, are a genuine treat to discover after so many balls of rock.

Vice

In particular, how do specks of senseless debris organize themselves into balls of rock and vapor -- a few of which could be homes for life?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing celestial objects or geological features, consider the context to determine the most appropriate level of scientific precision. For general audiences, "ball of rock" is acceptable. For scientific articles consider a better scientific term.

Common error

While acceptable, avoid overusing "ball of rock" in scientific papers. Opt for more precise geological or astronomical terms when available.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase. The primary function of "ball of rock" is to serve as a noun, often functioning as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a physical entity, typically a celestial body or geological formation, composed of rock. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used in contexts related to astronomy and geology.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ball of rock" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe objects primarily composed of rock. As Ludwig AI shows, it's found most frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, indicating a neutral formality level. While appropriate for general descriptions, more precise geological or astronomical terms may be preferred in formal scientific contexts. It can be replaced by options like "rocky sphere" or "geologic formation", but consider your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rocky sphere

Emphasizes the shape and composition, maintaining a literal interpretation.

sphere of stone

Uses a more generic term for rock, slightly broadening the scope.

rocky planetoid

Adds specificity by suggesting a small, planet-like object composed of rock.

asteroid body

Implies a celestial object within the asteroid belt, composed of rock.

geologic formation

Shifts focus to a natural rock structure.

stone concretion

Suggests a rock mass formed by gradual accumulation.

terrestrial planet

Relates to planet categorization of rock and dirt.

chunk of stone

Describes a small rock formation.

mass of rock

General term for a rocky body.

planetary core

Specifically refers to the inner, rocky layer of a planet.

FAQs

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

You can use "ball of rock" to describe a planet, asteroid, or other celestial body composed primarily of rock. For example: "Mars is often described as a cold, desolate "ball of rock"."

What can I say instead of "ball of rock"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rocky sphere", "rocky planetoid", or "geologic formation".

Is "ball of rock" a scientifically accurate term?

While "ball of rock" is easily understood, it is not always the most scientifically precise term. In formal scientific contexts, using more specific terms related to geology or astronomy is preferable.

When is it appropriate to use "ball of rock"?

"Ball of rock" is appropriate for general descriptions or when communicating with a non-scientific audience. It effectively conveys the basic composition of a rocky object in a simple and accessible way.