large rock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "large rock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a rock that is significantly bigger than average, often in contexts related to nature, geology, or construction. Example: "We found a large rock in the middle of the hiking trail that made it difficult to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Large rock masses displaced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

/ Showing rear gantry / note chute for discharge of large rock.

Yale University

Then another large rock was found in the same region.

The New York Times

Government officials, however, rule out a large rock concert.

The New York Times

A large rock had been used to gouge his torso.

The New York Times

This model is calibrated by a large rock mass database.

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences

Just find a large rock and lean some sticks against it.

The New Yorker

I followed the path to the large rock and cairn marking the high point.

The New York Times - Travel

No trees felled or large rock outcroppings were to be removed.

The New York Times

But still, why should we spend so much money studying a large rock in space?

The Guardian - Opinion

One man destroyed a sedan's rear window with a large rock.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or geological features, use "large rock" to clearly convey the size of the rock, especially when differentiating it from smaller stones or pebbles. For instance, "The hikers paused to rest beside a large rock overlooking the valley."

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "large rock" in descriptive passages. Instead, vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "boulder", "massive stone", or descriptive adjectives that highlight unique features, such as "weathered crag" or "towering monolith".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "large rock" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a geological feature of considerable size. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "large rock" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves the descriptive purpose of indicating a rock of substantial size. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals its prevalence in contexts such as news reporting, scientific discussions, and encyclopedia entries. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "boulder" or "massive stone" to enhance writing and prevent redundancy. Ludwig's assessment indicates the phrase is readily understood and suitable for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

massive boulder

Uses a more specific term for a very large rock.

huge stone

Replaces "rock" with a synonym and "large" with another synonym.

giant rock

Substitutes "large" with "giant" for emphasis.

substantial rock formation

Adds specificity, implying the rock is part of a larger geological structure.

considerable stone

Uses a more formal synonym for "large".

enormous boulder

Combines "enormous", a synonym for "large", with "boulder", indicating a very large rock.

imposing rock

Focuses on the impressive visual quality of the large rock.

prominent rock

Highlights the rock's visibility and how it stands out.

significant rock

Emphasizes the rock's importance or impact in a specific context.

remarkable stone

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy nature of the large rock.

FAQs

How can I use "large rock" in a sentence?

You can use "large rock" to describe a significant geological feature, such as, "The climbers used a "large rock" as an anchor point."

What are some alternatives to saying "large rock"?

Depending on the context, you could use "boulder", "massive stone", or "giant rock" as alternatives to "large rock".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "large rock"?

The phrase "large rock" is generally correct, but it might be too simplistic for certain contexts. For instance, a geologist might prefer more precise terminology like "granite outcrop" or "igneous formation".

What is the difference between a "large rock" and a boulder?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "boulder" generally refers to a particularly large rock, often too big to move by hand. A "large rock" can be any rock that is significantly bigger than average.