seam of clay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seam of clay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a layer or deposit of clay found within a geological context or in pottery and ceramics. Example: "The archaeologists discovered a seam of clay that indicated the area had been used for pottery making centuries ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The laboratory is cut into a seam of Callovo-Oxfordian clay, a highly compacted seam of Jurassic sedimentary rock that is 400 meters to 600 meters, or 1,302 feet to 1,969 feet, deep and runs from southern England to the French border with Germany.

The New York Times

It is a complex formation containing coal seams and is made up of clay and shales.

Wikipedia

As explained above, during the formation of coal and subsequent geologic activities, a coal seam may acquire mineral matter, veins of clay, bands of rock, and igneous intrusions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clay ironstone, a mixture of clay and siderite (iron carbonate), sometimes occurs as layers of dark-gray to brown, fine-grained nodules overlying coal seams.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lignite seam is soft, friable and brown containing yellow resin and pockets of clay.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

They had feet of clay".

The New York Times

Make a monkey out of clay".

The New Yorker

This angel has feet of clay.

The New York Times

"I was his lump of clay.

The New York Times

Feats of clay.

Forbes

Don't have feet of clay.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geological formations or mining contexts, use "seam of clay" to indicate a distinct layer or deposit within a larger formation.

Common error

Avoid using "seam of clay" when a more common idiom like "feet of clay" (meaning a hidden weakness) is intended. The phrase primarily describes a physical deposit, not a character flaw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seam of clay" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific geological feature: a layer or deposit of clay. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seam of clay" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a layer or deposit of clay, often within a geological context. While correct, Ludwig AI data indicates its use is relatively rare compared to alternatives like "layer of clay" or "clay deposit". The phrase finds its primary application in scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic content, lending it a neutral to formal register. Be mindful of its literal meaning to avoid confusion with similar-sounding idioms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clay seam

Inverts the phrase, maintaining the same essential meaning.

layer of clay

Focuses on the layered aspect of the clay deposit.

deposit of clay

Emphasizes the accumulation or deposition of clay material.

vein of clay

Implies a narrow, elongated deposit of clay.

band of clay

Highlights the appearance of clay as a stripe or band.

streak of clay

Suggests a thin, linear mark or trace of clay.

bed of clay

Refers to a substantial layer or stratum of clay.

stratum of clay

Similar to 'bed', but with a more formal, geological connotation.

pocket of clay

Indicates a small, isolated accumulation of clay.

clay deposit

A more concise way to refer to an accumulation of clay.

FAQs

How can I use "seam of clay" in a sentence?

You can use "seam of clay" to describe a layer of clay found in the earth, as in, "The excavation revealed a distinct "layer of clay" running through the rock formation."

What is the difference between "seam of clay" and "clay deposit"?

"Seam of clay" often implies a thin, distinct layer within a larger geological structure, while "clay deposit" is a more general term for any accumulation of clay.

What can I say instead of "seam of clay" when referring to pottery?

In the context of pottery, you might describe the material as a ""layer of clay"" or a "section of clay", depending on the specific application.

Is "seam of clay" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "seam of clay" is less common than other phrases like ""layer of clay"" or "clay deposit", and it is typically used in specific geological or industrial contexts.