rock solid

USAGE SUMMARY

"rock solid" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used figuratively to describe something that is strong, dependable, or unwavering. For example, you could say, "My grandfather has been a rock solid source of support throughout my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rock solid.

The New York Times

JODL: Rock solid.

The New Yorker

Our magazine is rock solid".

The New York Times

The Beethoven was rock solid.

The New Yorker

@mike_pence is rock solid".

The Guardian

He's rock solid".

The New York Times

Our unionism is rock solid".

The Guardian

He's a rock solid reporter".

The Guardian

"But it seems rock solid.

The New York Times

Bobs Worth does look rock solid.

Independent

The pros' entrances were absolutely rock solid.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rock solid" to convey a sense of unwavering strength and dependability in your writing. It is particularly effective when describing plans, relationships, or support systems.

Common error

While "rock solid" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in overly casual or informal settings where more nuanced or specific vocabulary might be more effective. Choose language that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rock solid" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe their strength, reliability, or stability. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its adjectival usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rock solid" is a very common and grammatically correct compound adjective used to describe something as strong, reliable, and dependable. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. The phrase conveys assurance and confidence. To avoid overuse in informal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "reliable", "dependable", or "unshakeable" depending on the specific context. The phrase's versatility and broad applicability make it a valuable addition to your writing repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reliable

Similar to dependable, this term underscores the consistency and trustworthiness of something.

unshakeable

This term indicates something that cannot be undermined or destabilized, stressing its resilience and firmness.

dependable

This highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of someone or something, focusing on their ability to be counted on.

stable

This indicates consistency and resistance to sudden changes or disruptions, highlighting steadiness.

unwavering

This term emphasizes the consistent and steadfast nature of something, focusing on its resistance to change or doubt.

steadfast

This emphasizes a firm and unwavering commitment or loyalty, focusing on reliability in the face of challenges.

impregnable

This suggests invulnerability and the inability to be overcome or penetrated, highlighting a sense of absolute security.

sturdy

This implies a strong and robust construction, focusing on physical resilience and durability.

resilient

This emphasizes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, highlighting adaptability and toughness.

sound

This suggests something is well-founded and reliable, particularly in judgment or decision-making.

FAQs

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

You can use "rock solid" to describe something dependable or strong. For example, "Their defense was "impenetrable"", or "He's a "dependable" friend".

What are some alternatives to "rock solid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reliable", "dependable", or "unshakeable" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "rock solid" in formal writing?

Yes, "rock solid" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize the strength and reliability of something. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and register of your piece and replace it with synonyms such as "reliable" or "dependable" when appropriate.

What does it mean when something is described as "rock solid"?

When something is described as "rock solid", it means that it is strong, "dependable", and unlikely to fail. It conveys a sense of stability and reliability.