bone to bone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bone to bone" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to anatomy, medicine, or discussions about physical connections or injuries. Example: "The surgeon explained that the injury was severe, with the fracture causing a misalignment of bone to bone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Or: They were bone to bone, almost.

The New Yorker

Or: **{:.break one} ** They were bone to bone, almost.

The New Yorker

The risk of reinjury rises when the ligaments that hold bone to bone, or the tendons that connect bone to muscle, fail to heal completely.

The New York Times - Health

Held together by tendons (which join muscles to bones), ligaments (connecting bone to bone) and layers of shock-absorbing cartilage, the knee is elegantly designed to move forward, in a straight plane.

The New York Times - Sports

Two defenders converged on him, and Jimmy — the coach, the father — could see it all coming, the collision that would break open the day, bone to bone, the concussion, the shattered femur, the injury to the spinal cord, to the brain.

The New Yorker

This designation includes bone and the various fibrous substances that form the joints, connect bone to bone and bone to muscle, enclose muscle bundles, and attach the internal organs to the supporting structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In consequence, orthopedic surgeons prefer non-bone to bone specimens to guide antimicrobial therapy in many instances of suspected COM, particularly after complicated reconstructive bone surgery.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This continuous weave of dense collagen fibers form functional 'typologies' of connections: muscle-to-bone, bone-to-bone, and muscle-to-muscle.

TechCrunch

This paper presents standardized methodology for in vitro assessment of bone-to-bone adhesion strength.

International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives

After the Dome osteotomy has been performed, one of the advantages is large bone-to-bone contact and stability.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

There is very good healing potential with a large bone-to-bone contact area and an almost absent wedge volume.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bone to bone" to vividly describe physical contact, anatomical connections, or the intensity of conflict in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "bone to bone" in purely abstract or conceptual situations where a physical connection isn't implied. For example, don't use it to describe an agreement or emotional connection, as it may sound awkward and out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bone to bone" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier or a descriptive element, indicating direct contact or connection between bones. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate its role in describing anatomical relationships and physical impacts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bone to bone" is a grammatically sound expression commonly used to describe direct physical contact between bones, often in anatomical or medical contexts. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in both literal and figurative senses, such as describing intense physical impacts or injuries. While versatile, it's important to consider the register and avoid using it in purely abstract scenarios. With its roots in science, medicine, and news reporting, "bone to bone" effectively conveys physical connection or conflict when employed thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bony contact

Highlights the physical touch between bones, often in a medical or anatomical context.

connected bones

A general term indicating bones that are linked together in some way.

osseous connection

Emphasizes the direct link between bones, focusing on anatomical terms.

direct skeletal link

Underscores the immediate connection between bone structures.

skeletal juncture

Highlights the meeting point of bones within the skeletal system.

adjacent bones

Refers to bones that are next to each other, implying proximity and potential interaction.

articulation point

Focuses on the joint or hinge where bones interact and move.

in skeletal alignment

Focuses on the proper positioning of bones relative to one another.

vertebra to vertebra

Specific reference to spine

end to end

Highlights physical touch when two bones are connected

FAQs

How can I use "bone to bone" in a sentence?

You can use "bone to bone" to describe physical contact in anatomical contexts, such as "The ligaments connect "bone to bone"", or to depict intense physical conflict, for example "The impact was "bone to bone"".

What does "bone to bone" contact mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "bone to bone" contact often indicates the absence of cartilage or other cushioning material between bones, potentially leading to pain and arthritis.

Are there figurative uses for the phrase "bone to bone"?

Yes, "bone to bone" can be used figuratively to describe an intense physical confrontation or an extremely close, intimate connection.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "bone to bone"?

While grammatically correct, using "bone to bone" might be inappropriate in formal writing when describing purely abstract concepts; consider alternative phrasing that better suits non-physical connections.