engraved in stone

USAGE SUMMARY

"engraved in stone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when something is permanent and unchangeable. Example: The words "In loving memory" were engraved in stone on the headstone of her beloved grandmother.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

It may be the only commandment justifiably engraved in stone.

The New York Times

"This show is not going to be engraved in stone," Mr. Lathan said.

The New York Times

Hey, who ever said the Constitution is engraved in stone, anyhow?

The New York Times

"It's not engraved in stone he's going to play all five matches," Strange said.

The New York Times - Sports

An undecipherable hymn engraved in stone, dating from about 800 bce, is evidence of a primitive system of musical notation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'd like to know what influenced his font choice and why he engraved in stone and not silver.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is important to note that the pledge does not seek to engrave in stone a fixed set of rules.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In a speech not long ago the Archbishop of Canterbury quoted the saying, "teaching children is like engraving in stone", meaning that what is learned early is what sticks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Learning in one's youth is engraving in stone.

Forbes

Or would it be worse if the court were to fake its way out of the dilemma by deciding that antidepressants or blood transfusions or vaccines are more important to public health than an employer's religious beliefs, thus engraving in stone an anti-constitutional policy of placing one religion over others?

Los Angeles Times

And each name was engraved in Hokie Stone, the dominant building material on campus.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engraved in stone" to emphasize the permanence and unchangeability of a rule, decision, or principle. It creates a strong visual image.

Common error

Avoid using "engraved in stone" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or melodramatic. Consider alternative phrases like "firmly established" or "unchangeable" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engraved in stone" functions as an idiom, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe something as permanent, unalterable, or firmly established. Ludwig AI identifies it as a common expression across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "engraved in stone" is a common idiom used to describe something as permanent and unchangeable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. The phrase effectively conveys the idea of lasting significance, drawing from the visual image of inscriptions on stone monuments. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal settings, overuse should be avoided. Related phrases, like "set in stone" or "immutable", offer alternatives for varied expression. The phrase's enduring presence in language reflects its powerful ability to communicate the concept of permanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set in stone

Replaces "engraved" with "set", implying a similar sense of fixity or unalterability.

written in stone

Substitutes "engraved" with "written", maintaining the idea of something permanently recorded.

etched in stone

Uses "etched" instead of "engraved", suggesting a slightly more delicate or artistic form of permanent inscription.

carved in stone

Employs "carved" to emphasize the physical act of creating a lasting impression.

immutable

A more formal and direct term indicating something unchangeable or not subject to modification.

unalterable

Another formal synonym emphasizing the inability to be altered or modified.

fixed

A simpler and more general term for something that is firmly in place and not movable.

permanent

Focuses on the lasting nature of something, lacking the direct physical imagery of stone.

established

Suggests something is firmly in place and accepted, but not necessarily unchangeable.

ingrained

Implies something is deeply embedded or firmly fixed in a system or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "engraved in stone" in a sentence?

You can use "engraved in stone" to describe something that is permanent and unchangeable. For example, "The principles of the constitution are "engraved in stone"."

What does "engraved in stone" mean?

The phrase "engraved in stone" means that something is permanent, unchangeable, and meant to last forever, like an inscription on a stone monument.

Which is correct, "engraved in stone" or "written in stone"?

Both phrases are correct and convey a similar meaning of permanence. "Engraved in stone" emphasizes the physical act of carving, while "written in stone" focuses on the enduring quality of the message. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What can I say instead of "engraved in stone"?

You can use alternatives like "set in stone", "immutable", or "unchangeable" depending on the context.