set in stone

USAGE SUMMARY

"set in stone" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that cannot be changed or is certain. For example, "The deadline was set in stone and couldn't be changed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not necessarily set in stone".

The New York Times

Nothing is set in stone".

Independent

And "Kyoto" is not set in stone.

The Economist

But nothing is set in stone.

The New York Times - Sports

But standards are not set in stone.

The Economist

These things are never set in stone.

The Guardian

Nothing is ever set in stone.

The New York Times

Or are your reviews set in stone?

The New York Times

"I'm not set in stone.

The New York Times - Sports

Definitive suggests set in stone.

The New York Times

Some assumptions have been set in stone.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set in stone" when you want to emphasize the permanence or unchangeability of a decision, plan, or rule. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid overusing it in very casual conversation.

Common error

Don't use "set in stone" when describing something that is intended to be adaptable or subject to change. Using the phrase in that scenario creates a contradiction and confuses the message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set in stone" functions as an adjective phrase or verb phrase, depending on context. Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing something permanent or making something permanent. It modifies nouns to indicate unchangeable qualities, as seen in the examples from news and academic sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set in stone" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the permanence and unchangeability of decisions, plans, or rules. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, academic, and business contexts. While suitable for professional communication, it may be less appropriate for very informal settings. Alternatives like "carved in stone" or "firmly established" can be used for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid using it when flexibility is intended to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing. With numerous examples available, understanding its proper usage is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carved in stone

Emphasizes the permanence and irremovability of something, similar to how carvings in stone are difficult to alter.

written in stone

Highlights the unchangeable nature of a decision or agreement, drawing a parallel to the durability of inscriptions on stone.

etched in stone

Similar to "carved in stone" but with a slightly different visual metaphor, conveying lasting impression.

firmly established

Focuses on the solid and secure nature of a plan or belief, suggesting it's not easily overturned.

irrevocable

Stresses the inability to reverse or undo a decision or outcome.

unchangeable

Directly indicates that something cannot be altered or modified.

set in concrete

Implies something is unchangeable because it has been solidified, relating to the properties of concrete.

unalterable

Similar to "unchangeable", but may imply a more formal or legal context.

fixed

Indicates a state of being firmly in place and not subject to modification.

definite

Emphasizes the certainty and finality of a decision or plan.

FAQs

How to use "set in stone" in a sentence?

You can use "set in stone" to describe decisions, plans, or rules that are permanent and cannot be changed. For example, "The project's deadline is "set in stone", so we must meet it".

What can I say instead of "set in stone"?

You can use alternatives like "carved in stone", "written in stone", or "firmly established" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "set in stone" or "setting in stone"?

"Set in stone" is the correct idiomatic expression. "Setting in stone" is not a standard phrase and would typically only be used in a literal sense, such as describing the act of physically placing something in stone.

Can "set in stone" be used in all contexts?

While "set in stone" is quite versatile, it's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the finality and unchangeable nature of something. In contexts requiring flexibility, consider alternative expressions like "subject to change" or "not yet finalized".