chunk of flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chunk of flesh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to anatomy, horror, or descriptions of physical objects, often to convey a visceral or graphic image. Example: "The creature emerged from the shadows, dragging a chunk of flesh behind it, leaving a trail of blood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The caption: "Two crows fight over a chunk of flesh from a bomb victim".

The New York Times

Then it rips out a chunk of flesh and swims away.

The Washington Post

After a "guardian angel" named Alice Klenk intervened to help, he remembered seeing the chunk of flesh on the carpet.

Independent

Someone then tied a chunk of flesh to a rock and tossed it over a telephone wire.

The New York Times

The hounds set upon the hog, tearing a small chunk of flesh from her hindquarters and snapping at her ears.

The New York Times - Sports

A shockingly odd chunk of flesh resembles an amputated limb but is actually the sole of a bare foot whose bent toes are out of sight.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Some were missing large chunks of flesh.

The New York Times

Last year a 6ft bear known as KJ2 clawed chunks of flesh out of a man's arm before being shot.

The Times

The shark had ripped chunks of flesh off his leg, his father said, but hadn't severed major arteries.

The Washington Post

As the dogs tear chunks of flesh from the terrified pig, the hunters undoubtedly feel proud of their accomplishment.

The New York Times

In Ellingsen's fish factory the huge chunks of flesh are chopped into cubes and stripped of any excess blubber.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chunk of flesh" when you want to create a vivid and often unsettling image. It is appropriate in descriptive writing, horror, or scientific contexts where a graphic depiction is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "chunk of flesh" in contexts where a more delicate or clinical term would be more appropriate. Overusing it can create unnecessary shock or discomfort for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chunk of flesh" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a physical piece of organic material, typically in a graphic or descriptive context. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chunk of flesh" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that commonly appears in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered correct English. Its primary function is descriptive, often aiming to create a strong, visceral image. While typically neutral to informal, the register can shift toward formal and scientific depending on the source. To avoid misuse, be mindful of the audience and context, reserving its usage for situations where a graphic description is appropriate. Related phrases such as "piece of meat" or "slab of tissue" can serve as alternative options depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunk of flesh

Uses "hunk" to indicate a large and roughly cut piece.

lump of flesh

Replaces "chunk" with "lump", suggesting an irregular and undefined mass.

piece of raw flesh

Highlights the uncooked state of the flesh, adding a sense of vulnerability or potential danger.

piece of meat

Replaces "flesh" with "meat", implying a focus on its edibility or culinary use.

slab of tissue

Uses a more clinical term ("tissue") to describe a biological sample or part.

segment of meat

Replaces "chunk" with "segment", implying that the piece is cut from something larger.

mass of tissue

Emphasizes the quantity and undifferentiated nature of the biological material.

portion of muscle

Specifies "muscle" as the type of flesh, indicating strength or physical structure.

cut of meat

Focuses on the context of butchery or food preparation.

morsel of flesh

Uses "morsel" to indicate a very small amount, often implying something tempting or delicious.

FAQs

How can I use "chunk of flesh" in a sentence?

You can use "chunk of flesh" to describe a piece of meat, a wound, or a body part in a graphic or descriptive way. For example, "The shark tore a "chunk of flesh" from the swimmer's leg."

What are some alternatives to "chunk of flesh"?

Alternatives include "piece of meat", "slab of tissue", or "portion of muscle" depending on the specific context and intended nuance.

Is "chunk of flesh" too graphic for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "chunk of flesh" can be considered too graphic for formal or sensitive contexts. Consider using a more neutral term like "tissue sample" or "specimen" in those situations.

What is the difference between "chunk of flesh" and "piece of meat"?

"Chunk of flesh" is more general and can refer to any type of flesh, including human or animal, while "piece of meat" specifically implies edible animal flesh used for food.