block

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'block' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or adjective to mean a solid uniform mass, to cut off a course or road, or extraordinarily large, respectively. Example sentence: The block of ice had to be sawed into pieces for the cocktail party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One former Alton Towers employee explained that the Smiler could have up to five cars moving around the track at once and a "block system" run by sensors prevented two cars entering specific sections at the same time.

The Guardian

Another former staff member said: "The block system should have been clear before another craft is able to enter that section of the ride.

The Guardian

Technically, it should be absolutely impossible for two cars to enter the same block, which is down to sensors run by a computer.

The Guardian

"Only one car at a time is permitted in each block and, at the end of each, there is a section where a train can be stopped if it needs to be," the former worker said.

The Guardian

Mr David Wilkie, aged 35, was killed when a concrete block and a four foot long concrete post were dropped on his car from a bridge 20 feet above the A465 Heads of the Valleys road near Merthyr Tydfil.

The Guardian

Paul showed no indication that his position had changed since last week's extended floor speech – not officially a filibuster – and that he would do whatever it took to block the Patriot Act's renewal.

The Guardian

As for the alleged link back to Scottish health spending, while total block grants from Whitehall are indeed connected to overall English public service spending, Holyrood has sweeping autonomy over where the money goes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Police were out in force to try to block the demonstrations, and there were sporadic confrontations near Kinshasa University.

The Guardian

By owning your own property, you get a say in planning law too – your objection to that new tower block counts for far more than the indirect, dissipated unease of all the people hunting desperately for somewhere affordable in the vague vicinity of their work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Word of mouth is your only hope; get people talking about you early on, and by the end of your week they'll be queuing around the block.

The Guardian

Moving on 20 years to December 2011, when Cameron used Britain's veto to block an EU-wide treaty, the Sun greeted the news with a splash headlined "Up Eurs" with a photoshopped picture of "bulldog" Cameron giving a two-fingered salute.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to city distances, use "block" precisely to indicate the distance between streets in a grid, avoiding ambiguity by specifying 'long block' or 'short block' where appropriate.

Common error

Avoid confusing "block", which refers to an obstruction or a solid piece, with "bloc", which denotes a group of people or countries united for a common purpose. Ensure your spelling aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "block" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a solid mass or a unit of distance, and as a verb, meaning to obstruct or prevent. Ludwig shows examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe physical obstructions, spatial measurements, or the act of preventing something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and frequent usage across numerous contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "block", ensure clarity in your intended meaning to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "bloc". Utilize it accurately to either describe physical objects, spatial distances, or the act of obstruction, and be mindful of potential misspellings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct

Focuses on impeding progress or movement.

impede

Emphasizes hindering or delaying something.

hinder

Highlights the act of making something difficult.

prevent

Stresses stopping something from happening.

stop

Indicates bringing something to a halt.

bar

Implies legally or physically preventing access.

halt

Suggests a sudden or forceful stop.

occlude

Focuses on completely blocking vision or passage.

stymie

Indicates frustrating or thwarting efforts.

blockade

Specifically refers to obstructing access to a place.

FAQs

How can I use "block" in a sentence?

You can use "block" as a noun, such as "a block of ice", or as a verb, meaning to obstruct, as in "to block the road". The best usage depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "block"?

You can use alternatives like "obstruct", "impede", or "prevent" depending on the context. Each carries slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "block" or "bloc"?

"Block" refers to a solid piece or the act of obstructing. "Bloc" refers to a group of people or nations with a common purpose. The correct choice depends on your intended meaning.

What does it mean to "block someone" on social media?

To "block someone" on social media means to prevent them from contacting you or seeing your posts. It's a way to cut off communication with an undesirable person.