it is stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is stone" is correct and usable in written English, although it may be context-specific.
You can use it when describing something that is made of stone or has the qualities of stone. Example: "The sculpture is impressive; it is stone, carved meticulously by the artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We use 150 litres.' On one wall there is a radiator, but it is stone cold.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In fact," he waggled his finger at me, "it was stone cold crazy".

The New York Times

Plus, listen, it was stoned you that got you into this mess and goddamnit it is stoned you that is going to get you out of it.

Vice

"It's stone really--fossil stone.

The New Yorker

"Only it's not poop anymore, it's stone.

The New York Times

It's stone and brick, brick coming into the fieldstone.

The New York Times

It was stone cold at night, baking in the day.

The Guardian

It was Stone's preoccupation with toughness that led to his enduring affection for Nixon.

The New Yorker

But, alas, the tricolored corn chips that accompanied it were stone cold.

The New York Times

As he once put it in an interview, "if it rains, it was Stone".

The New York Times

The perfect hidden mathematical order the Greek philosophers revered was still; it was stone.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is stone" to succinctly describe an object's material composition, particularly when emphasizing its natural or unrefined state. For example: "The ancient altar is stone, weathered by centuries of exposure."

Common error

Avoid using "it is stone" when more descriptive terms offer greater clarity. For instance, instead of "the statue is stone," specify "the statue is granite" or "the statue is marble" to provide richer detail.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is stone" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, identifying the material composition of a subject. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is grammatically correct. Its limited usage, however, means that alternative phrasing may be more common and easier to understand.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is stone" serves as a straightforward descriptor, identifying an object's material composition. Although grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, its rarity suggests that alternatives like ""it is made of stone"" may be more common. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is suitable for various contexts, including news and general descriptions, but should be used judiciously to avoid sounding unnatural. Remember to select the most descriptive and informative phrasing for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is made of stone

This alternative directly states the composition of the object.

it consists of stone

This phrase emphasizes the components that make up the object.

it's a stone structure

This specifies the type of construction using stone.

it is rocky

This describes the object as having a stone-like texture or composition.

it is petrified

This implies that something has turned to stone over time.

it's a stone formation

This suggests the object is naturally formed from stone.

it's solid rock

This indicates that the object is made of a single, unbroken piece of rock.

it's a rock material

This is a more general term referring to the material composition.

it is a lithic material

This employs more technical, scientific vocabulary.

it is stonelike

This adjective describes the appearance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it is stone" in a sentence?

You can use "it is stone" to describe the material composition of an object, emphasizing its nature. For example: "The sculpture is impressive; it is stone, carved meticulously by the artist."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is stone"?

Alternatives include "it is made of stone", "it consists of stone", or "it is rocky", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is stone" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is stone" is grammatically correct, though it might sound slightly unusual. It directly states the material of which something is made. The rarity of this usage can sometimes make it sound less conventional than alternatives.

When is it appropriate to use "it is stone" instead of "it is made of stone"?

While both are grammatically correct, "it is stone" is more concise and can be used effectively when the context already establishes that you're talking about the material composition. However, "it is made of stone" may sound more natural in many situations.