mass of rock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mass of rock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, solid body of rock, often in geological or environmental contexts. Example: "The mountain was formed from a massive mass of rock that had been pushed up from the earth's crust over millions of years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Bearing, to hurl this mass of rock upon me!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In 1949, this mass of rock - perhaps as large as the Isle of Man - dropped 4 metres seawards and stopped.

The Guardian

The more the rock has the anisotropic behavior, the more the mass of rock around the tunnel is stable.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

THE SPACE RACE -- As you may know, a giant mass of rock and gasses is hurtling toward Earth, and could smash into our humble blue dot in 2061.

The New York Times

The man and woman at the edge of the illuminated abyss point excitedly at a mass of rock that resembles a Cubist sculpture of a couple kissing.

The New York Times - Arts

Later, after years of erosion, the arch may fall, leaving the seaward mass of rock to stand alone — one of the strange, chimneylike formations known as stacks.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

For another, superpowers are so allergic to losing that they'll bankrupt themselves trying to conquer a mass of rocks and sand.

The Washington Post

In the heart of the business district, the river plunges some 50 feet (15 metres) over a mass of rocks; the city's name is from an Algonquian word for "at the falls".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whereas the Cordillera Blanca morphology demonstrates important erosion and thus a significant mass of rocks removal, the impact of erosion and isostasy on the evolution of the Cordillera Blanca uplift rates has never been explored.

Tectonophysics

On eruption, the volcano's heart ejected a molten mass of rocks and gas, which in itself didn't impact the town.

BBC

Landslides, defined as the movement of a mass of rocks, debris, or earth down a slope (Cruden 1991), globally cause large numbers of casualties and enormous property losses every year.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geological features, use "mass of rock" to convey the sheer size and solid nature of the formation. This phrase is particularly effective in scientific and descriptive contexts.

Common error

While "mass of rock" is technically correct, it can sound overly formal or technical in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "big rock" or "pile of rocks" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mass of rock" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a large quantity of rock, often in a geological or environmental context. As Ludwig AI states, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

29%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mass of rock" is a grammatically sound noun phrase, commonly used to describe a substantial quantity of rocky material. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate in written English, particularly in geological or environmental contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's more suited to formal or descriptive writing than casual conversation. As evidenced by the numerous examples found by Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, making it a reliable and versatile term for describing significant geological features and events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rock formation

Focuses on the structure and arrangement of the rock, rather than its quantity.

mountain of rock

Implies a very large "mass of rock", typically in a natural setting.

body of stone

Uses "body" to emphasize the substantial and cohesive nature of the rock.

accumulation of rocks

Highlights the gathering or build-up of rocky material.

stone block

Suggests a more regular, quarried shape compared to a natural "mass of rock".

rock deposit

Suggests an accumulation of rock material left behind by a natural process.

rock pile

Implies a disorganized heap, in contrast to a more solid or structured mass.

rocky outcrop

Refers to a visible exposure of bedrock at the Earth's surface.

cluster of boulders

Specifically refers to large, rounded rocks grouped together.

geological formation

Broadens the scope to include any natural structure formed by geological processes, not just rock.

FAQs

How can I use "mass of rock" in a sentence?

You can use "mass of rock" to describe a large, solid body of rock, such as in the sentence, "The climbers struggled to scale the steep "mass of rock" that formed the cliff face."

What are some alternatives to "mass of rock"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rock formation", "stone block", or "rock pile".

Is "mass of rock" a formal or informal phrase?

"Mass of rock" is generally considered a more formal or technical phrase, suitable for scientific or descriptive writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms may be more appropriate.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "mass of rock"?

The phrase "mass of rock" is appropriate when describing geological features, landslides, or other situations where a substantial quantity of rock is involved. For instance, "The earthquake triggered a massive landslide, sending a "mass of rock" tumbling down the mountainside."