block of butter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block of butter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific quantity or form of butter, typically in cooking or baking contexts. Example: "For this recipe, you will need a block of butter, melted and mixed with the sugar."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food

Cooking

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

From an under-counter refrigerator, Ms. Charles pulled a pound block of butter.

The New York Times - Food

"A solid one-pound block of butter could be made into a few dozen pats with one fell swoop.

The New York Times - Food

"If you go by the way that it's traditionally made," she said, "it's like eating a giant block of butter".

The New York Times

I didn't expect it to change my life, but I did expect that if I ever encountered a one-pound block of butter I would be prepared.

The New York Times - Food

A block of butter for the breadbasket had a hard, pale yellow ring around it, suggesting that it had begun to melt before being returned to the refrigerator.

The New York Times - Food

"Hey, a Palm Pilot carved into a big block of butter would be fun," said Rob Davis, director of partner marketing at Gearworks, recalling discussions about what to display in the company booth.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Blocks of butter and headcheese, a can of raw milk, wrapped parcels, and cured bacons are stuffed onto the shelves around us.

The New Yorker

Weekenders strolled about the outdoor market, filling their bags with blocks of butter, white disks of cow's milk cheese, bottles of apple cider and other Côte Fleurie bounty.

The New York Times - Travel

In 2012's Cannibal, she recreated a food orgy inspired by the "barforama" in the film Stand By Me: a panel of gluttons stuff themselves with jelly and solid blocks of butter ("they had buckets under the table").

The Guardian - Music

The three stairwells in Newport Street are where this obsessive virtuosity reaches its peak, plunging through the building in great ovoid spirals lined with creamy white brick, as if carved from blocks of butter.

The Guardian - Arts

British shoppers bought 8.7% more blocks of butter last year, perhaps reckoning that life, and breakfast in particular, is too short to spend time eating a low-cholesterol, vegetable oil-based product.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "block of butter" in a recipe, specify the weight or volume for clarity. For example, "Use a 1/2 pound block of butter."

Common error

Avoid using "block of butter" when referring to margarine or other butter substitutes. Use specific terms like "block of margarine" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block of butter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe a specific quantity or form of butter used in cooking or as an ingredient.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block of butter" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a quantity or specific form of butter. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and other informal contexts. Related phrases include "stick of butter" and "slab of butter", each carrying slight nuances in meaning. When using the phrase, specify the weight or volume for accuracy. Avoid using it generically for butter alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick of butter

Refers to a commonly used pre-portioned form of butter, especially in recipes.

slab of butter

Emphasizes the thickness and mass of the butter.

cube of butter

Highlights the three-dimensional shape of the butter.

pat of butter

Describes a small, often square-shaped, serving of butter.

chunk of butter

Implies a piece of butter that is irregularly shaped, cut from a larger mass.

square of butter

Highlights the shape, implying a neatly cut piece.

portion of butter

Refers to an unspecified amount of butter, portioned out.

piece of butter

A general term for any amount of butter that has been separated.

dollop of butter

Suggests a soft, rounded amount of butter, often melted or partially melted.

lump of butter

Implies a rough or misshapen piece of butter.

FAQs

How can I use "block of butter" in a sentence?

You can use "block of butter" in sentences like: "The recipe requires a whole "block of butter"", or "She cut a piece from the "block of butter" for the toast".

What's a good substitute for "block of butter" in a recipe?

Depending on the recipe, you can substitute "stick of butter", margarine, or a butter alternative like coconut oil.

Is it okay to say "stick of butter" instead of "block of butter"?

Yes, "stick of butter" is a common and acceptable alternative, especially in US recipes. However, be aware that a block of butter can come in different sizes, so it is best to specify weights.

What's the difference between "slab of butter" and "block of butter"?

"Slab of butter" implies a thicker, less defined shape, while "block of butter" usually refers to a more regular, brick-like form.