etched in stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "etched in stone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is permanent or unchangeable. Example: "The rules of the game are not etched in stone; they can be modified if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not etched in stone".

The New York Times

Is it etched in stone?

The New York Times

"It's etched in stone," he said.

The New York Times - Books

Nothing is ever etched in stone.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our starters are not etched in stone".

The New York Times - Sports

Apologies are etched in stone.

The Guardian - Film

"Well, nothing is etched in stone.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing is etched in stone yet".

The New York Times

A two-year deal, etched in stone".

The New Yorker

It's not etched in stone, but that is the plan.

Independent

Our bond with dogs is etched in stone.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "etched in stone" to emphasize the permanence or unchangeability of a rule, decision, or agreement. For example, "The terms of the contract are not entirely "etched in stone", allowing for some negotiation."

Common error

Avoid using "etched in stone" when describing something that is intended to be permanent but may be subject to change under certain circumstances. Instead, use phrases like "intended to be final" or "currently unchangeable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "etched in stone" functions as an idiomatic expression, often serving as a predicative adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It modifies nouns or pronouns to describe something as fixed, unchangeable, or permanent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "etched in stone" is a common idiom used to describe something that is permanent and unchangeable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's important to consider the context and intended degree of permanence when using this phrase, as it can sometimes be an overstatement. Alternatives such as "set in stone" or "firmly established" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set in stone

Emphasizes the idea of something being firmly established and unlikely to change.

carved in stone

Suggests a deliberate and permanent inscription, similar to "etched in stone".

written in stone

Implies a definitive and unalterable record or decision.

engraved in stone

Highlights the lasting and unerasable nature of something.

indelibly marked

Focuses on the impossibility of removing or forgetting something.

firmly established

Indicates that something is well-settled and not easily changed.

unchangeable

Directly states that something cannot be modified or altered.

irrevocable

Implies that something cannot be taken back or reversed.

fixed in place

Suggests a state of being firmly secured and unmovable.

permanent fixture

Highlights the lasting and enduring quality of something.

FAQs

What does the idiom "etched in stone" mean?

The idiom "etched in stone" means something is permanent, unchangeable, or impossible to alter. It implies a high degree of fixity, like words carved into stone that cannot be easily erased.

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

You can use "etched in stone" to describe rules, agreements, or beliefs that are considered unchangeable. For example, "While our initial plans are flexible, some core principles are "etched in stone".

What are some alternatives to saying "etched in stone"?

Alternatives include "set in stone", "carved in stone", "written in stone", or simply stating that something is permanent or unchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "etched in stone" formal or informal?

"Etched in stone" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news and general writing. While appropriate for many situations, consider alternatives like "firmly established" for highly formal academic or business contexts.