slice of rock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slice of rock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece or section of rock, often in geological or metaphorical contexts. Example: "The geologist examined a slice of rock to determine its mineral composition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A slice of rock is mounted onto a horizontal platform and shuttled under a mist that removes grime.

Princeton University

Still, metal as an umbrella category has been the most creatively fertile slice of rock in the last five years.

The New York Times - Arts

The title might suggest something more aggressive; a snarling, thundering slice of rock, but it is quite gentle and unchallenging.

The Guardian - Music

Measurements of the contact angle between oil, carbonated brine and a slice of rock cut from a carbonate core plug were conducted.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

It was a narrow, old-school, all-male slice of rock, with a hint of internationalism for starters: the rapper and singer K'Naan, who was born in Somalia and now lives in Canada (and whose band included a female keyboardist).

The New York Times - Arts

They arise out of the landscape without any context, and it becomes clear that the corridor between them was created by pushing out a slice of rock — the same rock that now sits at the center of the memorial, on the far side of which is carved the looming torso of Dr. King.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The contact angles were measured between live oil, synthetic formation water and slices of rock which were cut from different depths of reservoirs.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

The bill at Le Poisson Rouge on Wednesday was a night of indie-rock period pieces, as Vetiver and Crystal Stilts revisited specific slices of rock's past.

The New York Times - Arts

Ferdinand Zirkel, (born May 20 , 1838 Bonn died June 12 , 1912 Bonn), German geologist and pioneer in microscopic petrography, the study of rock minerals by viewing thin slices of rock under a microscope and noting their optical characteristics.

Britannica

May 20 , 1838Bonn, Germany June 12 , 1912Bonn, Germany Ferdinand Zirkel, (born May 20 , 1838 Bonn died June 12 , 1912 Bonn) German geologist and pioneer in microscopic petrography, the study of rock minerals by viewing thin slices of rock under a microscope and noting their optical characteristics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

May 10 , 1826Woodbourne, England March 9, 1908 Sheffield, England Henry Clifton Sorby, (born May 10 , 1826 Woodbourne, near Sheffield, Yorkshire, Eng. died March 9, 1908, Sheffield) English geologist whose microscopic studies of thin slices of rock earned him the title "father of microscopical petrography".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geological samples, use "slice of rock" to refer to a thin section prepared for microscopic analysis. For instance, "The geologist examined a thin slice of rock under a microscope to identify its mineral composition."

Common error

Avoid using "slice of rock" when referring to large geological formations. Instead, reserve it for smaller, manageable pieces examined closely. A large rock formation would be better described as an "outcrop", "mass", or "formation" of rock.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slice of rock" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as an object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. For instance, it specifies a tangible, manageable portion suitable for analysis or observation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slice of rock" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that refers to a manageable portion of rock, often intended for detailed analysis or observation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable in diverse contexts, primarily within news, media, science, and academia. Although not extremely common, its usage is consistent and understood. When using "slice of rock", consider its specific application, reserving it for tangible, manageable pieces rather than larger geological formations. Alternatives like "piece of rock" or "fragment of rock" may suit different descriptive needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piece of rock

Simple substitution of "slice" with "piece", indicating a fragment or portion.

fragment of rock

Replaces "slice" with "fragment", emphasizing a broken or detached part of the rock.

section of rock

Using "section" instead of "slice" suggests a more defined or delineated part of the rock.

portion of rock

Substituting "slice" with "portion" implies a share or amount of rock.

sample of rock

Using "sample" instead of "slice" indicates the rock is being used for testing or analysis.

layer of rock

Replaces "slice" with "layer", suggesting a stratum or level within the rock formation.

outcrop of rock

The term 'outcrop' refers to a visible exposure of bedrock or geological formation, emphasizing visibility rather than a removed portion.

segment of rock

Substituting "slice" with "segment" suggests a distinct part or section of the rock.

part of rock

Using "part" instead of "slice" is a more general term for a portion of the rock.

slab of rock

Replacing "slice" with "slab" implies a thick, flat piece of rock.

FAQs

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

You can use "slice of rock" to describe a thin piece of rock that is being analyzed, such as, "The geologist prepared a thin slice of rock for microscopic examination."

What phrases are similar to "slice of rock"?

Alternatives include "piece of rock", "fragment of rock", or "section of rock", depending on the specific context.

Is "slice of rock" appropriate for describing large formations?

No, "slice of rock" is best used for describing smaller pieces intended for close examination. For larger formations, use terms like "outcrop", "mass", or "formation".

What is the difference between "slice of rock" and "slab of rock"?

"Slice of rock" typically refers to a thin piece prepared for analysis, while "slab of rock" suggests a thicker, flatter piece.