blocks

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "blocks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to describe the action of stopping something from happening or being done, or as a noun to refer to a set of items or a large set of solid objects. For example: The government has put in place several blocks to stop the spread of the virus. He made a tower of wooden blocks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Investigators were searching in dense forest and farmland with abandoned buildings, as well as using road blocks and conducting house-to-house checks.

The Guardian

Despite the Brooklyn DA's office having decriminalized marijuana possession in small amounts in 2014, cops still arrest pot smokers on these blocks.

The Guardian

Calle Argantonio 3, [phone], hotelargantonio.es, doubles from €85 Hotel La Casa del Califa, Vejer Hope for rain and curl up in an armchair with a book, linger over lunch in the atmospheric restaurant, watch clouds scudding over the pile of white blocks, domes and church towers that make up this spectacular town.

The Guardian - Travel

However, while the Neo Geo's card offered just 2k of storage, the PlayStation's had 128k, separated into 15 "save" blocks.

The Guardian - Tech

From above, like a sea of iron filings pulled by a magnet, the whole city appears to crowd round a core, the vortex of pilgrims giving way to an equally swirling current of tower blocks.

The Guardian - Arts

Not for us the simple pristine blocks of the Americans.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The official investigation found that the breeding ground for the Sars coronavirus in the Amoy blocks was the toilet system.

The Guardian

Some of the individual blocks, finished by hand on site, weigh up to half a tonne.

The Guardian

One by one they came – vessels the size of tenement blocks – disgorging holidaymakers on to an esplanade dotted with little white buildings in scenes of exuberant commotion.

The Guardian

Or you can build blocks of matching pieces and then connect them, as if you were playing with Legos.

The Guardian - Tech

The ESH will initially house 20 inmates from this week, rising to 50 with further blocks due to be completed; the total population in ESH could rise to 250.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to physical objects, ensure clarity by specifying the type of "blocks" (e.g., building blocks, concrete blocks) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "blocks" interchangeably with "obstacles" in situations where the physical aspect of "blocks" is irrelevant. Use "impediments" or "hindrances" instead for abstract barriers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "blocks" is as a plural noun. It can refer to physical objects, sections of a city, or, in a more abstract sense, obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

15%

Tech

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Business

7%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "blocks" functions primarily as a plural noun with diverse applications. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English and provides many examples. As seen in the analyses, it's commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Arts, and Tech. While generally neutral, its specific meaning shifts with context, referring to physical objects, city sections, or impediments. To avoid ambiguity, provide clear specifications in writing. Consider alternatives like "barriers" or "impediments" in abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

city blocks

Refers specifically to sections of a city typically bounded by streets.

building blocks

Implies fundamental components used in construction or development.

tower blocks

Specifically indicates high-rise residential buildings.

stumbling blocks

Denotes obstacles or challenges hindering progress.

save blocks

Relates to units of data storage on a device.

reactor blocks

Specific reference to the nuclear industry.

cardinal directions

Referring to blocks as compass directions for an area.

barriers

Implying obstructions or impediments, similar to "blocks" in certain contexts.

sections

Referring to separated parts of something, but not necessarily solids.

clusters

Implies groupings or collections of entities, similar to "blocks" in spatial contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "blocks" in a sentence?

You can use "blocks" to refer to physical objects, like "The children were playing with wooden blocks". It can also refer to city "city blocks", or to obstructions, as in "stumbling blocks".

What are some synonyms for "blocks" when referring to obstacles?

When "blocks" refers to obstacles, you can use synonyms like "barriers", "impediments", or "hindrances".

Is it correct to use "blocks" to describe sections of a city?

Yes, "blocks" is commonly used to refer to sections of a city, as in "The restaurant is a few "city blocks" away".

What is the difference between "blocks" and "building blocks"?

"Blocks" is a general term, while "building blocks" specifically refers to fundamental components used in construction or development, whether literal (like toy blocks) or figurative (like the building blocks of a successful career).