slab of rock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slab of rock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large, flat piece of rock, often in geological or construction contexts. Example: "The archaeologists discovered a slab of rock that contained ancient carvings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

He fished one out with his snorkel, and lay it on a slab of rock.

The New York Times - Travel

"Elephant" (V2) finds the Detroit duo returning with a leviathan slab of rock and roll.

The New Yorker

Hey! On the uphill side, a flat slab of rock lay on top of large uprights.

The New York Times - Travel

His grandfather worked in the quarries until the mid-1930's, when a giant slab of rock crushed his leg.

The New York Times

Writing in Science, the researchers suggest that the tremors occur as the subducting slab of rock dries out.

The New York Times - Science

The approach is down an idyllic dell that narrows to a shelving slab of rock that is cut into steps.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Slabs of rock or wood boards were used as markers.

The New York Times

Far below, fishermen balance on wet slabs of rock, casting their lines into the hissing Atlantic.

The New York Times - Travel

The dishes are more likely to be served on slabs of rock or pieces of wood than on plates.

The Economist

At its landing site, some large slabs of rock jut out the first exposed bedrock seen on Mars.

The New York Times

Vast slabs of rock descend into the earth at severe angles, like the Titanic making its fatal dive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slab of rock" to describe building materials or construction elements where a large, flat rock piece is used.

Common error

While "slab of rock" is appropriate for literal descriptions, avoid using it metaphorically in contexts where a more nuanced term would be more fitting. For instance, avoid saying "he has a mind like a slab of rock" if you mean he is stubborn or dense; choose a more precise adjective instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slab of rock" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a descriptive element in a sentence. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing physical landscapes, geological formations, and building materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slab of rock" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a broad, flat piece of rock. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific domains. The phrase is generally neutral in register but can lean towards formal usage depending on the source. When using this phrase, make sure to consider synonyms like "stone slab" or "rock outcrop" for variety, and avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources ensures its reliability and appropriateness in formal and informal writing alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rock slab

Reverses the order of the words, maintaining the core meaning but with a slightly different emphasis.

stone slab

Substitutes "rock" with "stone", which is a synonym, offering a very slight variation in the material described.

rock plate

Replaces "slab" with "plate", suggesting a flatter and wider piece of rock.

flagstone

Refers specifically to a flat slab of rock used for paving.

rock outcrop

Suggests a naturally occurring exposed rock formation.

rock shelf

Implies a protruding, shelf-like formation of rock.

boulder

Refers to a large, detached rock, generally rounded.

rock formation

A broader term that encompasses various natural rock structures.

stone block

Uses "stone" instead of "rock" and "block" instead of "slab", implying a more regular shape.

rock mass

Suggests a large, undefined quantity of rock.

FAQs

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

You can use "slab of rock" to describe a large, flat piece of stone in various contexts. For example: "The hikers rested on a "slab of rock" overlooking the valley" or "The ancient carvings were found on a "slab of rock"".

What are some synonyms for "slab of rock"?

Alternatives to "slab of rock" include "stone slab", "rock plate", or "rock outcrop", depending on the specific context and the intended nuance.

Is it correct to say "stone of rock" instead of "slab of rock"?

While "stone" and "rock" are often interchangeable, "stone of rock" is not a common or standard phrase. "Slab of rock" or "stone slab" are the more appropriate and widely used terms.

What's the difference between a "slab of rock" and a "boulder"?

A "slab of rock" refers to a flat, broad piece of rock, while a "boulder" is a large, rounded rock. The key difference lies in the shape and overall structure.