mass of stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mass of stone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large quantity or accumulation of stone, often in a geological or construction context. Example: "The ancient ruins were built from a massive mass of stone, showcasing the craftsmanship of the builders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Similarly the high thermal mass of stone, as seen in Victorian buildings, retains warmth in winter and cold in summer.

The Guardian

And they thought, too, of the Tower of Babel, particularly Bruegel's version of it, an irregular mass of stone and humanity reaching chaotically heavenwards, like some termite's mound.

The Guardian - Arts

I keep praying that the crags will turn out to be low, heaped clouds, or else a seamless mass of stone.

The New Yorker

Their monumental quality, formed by the great mass of stone from which the oval eyes, sensual mouth, and broad face are fashioned, provides a powerful sculptural concept.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Walking through the great solid mass of stone that is the gatehouse, complete with portcullis, the gravel driveway morphs into a sunken "green lane" as it winds gently up to the house.

The New York Times

I need only pick up this book and, like the door to Solomon's treasure chamber, a mass of stone rises from the floor and vanishes into the rock above.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You can walk the paths in a vast hanging silence and stillness, and then turn back and see Stonehenge as it should be seen - a bleak mass of stones with no truck in sight.

The Guardian - Arts

Despite the fact that the mass of stones is an essential factor influencing stability of the hypolithic habitat, no comparable data could be found in the literature.

Ecological Processes

Volumetric stone content was estimated by dividing the horizon specific mass of stones larger than 2 mm by the density of dolomite (2.9 g cm−3) and limestone (2.7 g cm−3) respectively.

Biogeochemistry

Silhouetted against the moon, buildings became inanimate masses of stone.

The New Yorker

On the eve of its first major national political convention, Boston measures its success and livability not against cities of comparable size, but against what Adams described in 1905: "great masses of stone and steam against the sky" amid "prosperity never before imagined".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ancient buildings or geological features, use "mass of stone" to convey the immense scale and solid nature of the structure or formation. For instance, “The pyramid was an impressive "mass of stone", testament to ancient engineering.”

Common error

Avoid using "mass of stone" when describing contemporary structures or small objects. It's more appropriate for grand, historical, or natural features. Instead of saying, “The garden wall was a "mass of stone",” consider “The garden wall was built with carefully placed stones.”

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mass of stone" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. It describes a substantial quantity or body of stone material, emphasizing its size and solidity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mass of stone" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant quantity or body of stone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for describing physical structures like buildings and geological formations. While not overly common, it appears consistently in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. To avoid misuse, reserve it for grand or historical features rather than small or modern objects. Alternatives include "stone structure", "pile of stones" and "rock formation", which may be more fitting depending on your desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accumulation of stone

Replaces "mass" with a more descriptive synonym, focusing on the gathering of stones.

stone structure

Emphasizes the architectural or constructed nature of the stone arrangement.

stone bulk

Replaces mass with "bulk" to emphasize the volume

stone formation

Focuses on the geological aspect of stone rather than its quantity or structure.

stone edifice

Suggests a large and imposing building or structure made of stone.

lithic mass

Uses the formal word "lithic" to emphasize that it is a stone.

pile of stones

Suggests a less organized and more haphazard accumulation of stones.

rock formation

Highlights the geological origin, potentially including different types of stone.

stone construction

Focuses on the process of building with stone.

stone aggregate

Describes fragmented stone material used in construction.

FAQs

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

Use "mass of stone" to describe a large quantity of stone, often referring to a building or geological formation. For example, "The castle was a formidable "mass of stone", defying centuries of weather."

What are some alternatives to "mass of stone"?

Consider alternatives like "stone structure", "pile of stones", or "rock formation", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "mass of stone" appropriate for describing small objects?

No, "mass of stone" is generally reserved for large, significant quantities of stone. For smaller items, use descriptive phrases like "collection of stones" or "stone fragments".

How does "mass of stone" differ from "rock mass"?

"Mass of stone" generally refers to an artificial or constructed structure, or a large, somewhat unstructured collection of stones. A "rock mass" usually refers to a natural geological formation.