stones

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "stones" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "stones" to refer to small pieces of stone, or to figuratively refer to a person or situation that is difficult to deal with. For example: "He had the strength of a thousand stones when facing the hardest of challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They shouldn't start throwing stones at Luxembourg".

The Guardian

She had remained sprightly throughout, recalling how they "scampered down over the stones after the manner of the goats... clearing the ground at a famous speed" to get down the valley.

The Guardian - Travel

The only problem is trying to do that at tracks in the UK... there's spikes come off people's shoes and stones and whatever else so you could end up getting injured.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There were about 300 men, some calling for the toppling of the regime and throwing stones at the security forces.

The Guardian

But as Australia joins the 190-plus other countries navigating the climate stepping stones, it's hard to know whether the Aussies are wearing rubber thongs (those are flip-flops to foreigners) or appropriately stout walking boots.

The Guardian

It might have been a while since wild parties raged into the night or naked bodies hauled themselves on to the hot stones at the water's edge.

The Guardian - Arts

He recounts joining a reprisal party in the mid-1860s, while mayor, for the killers of a shepherd: "They got on top of a big mound & defied us & smacked their buttocks at us & hurled large stones down on us, & hid themselves behind large trees and huge rocks but some of them paid dearly for their bravado.

The Guardian

Stories grounded in the landscape also loom large, in customs such as choosing the gleaning queen when the harvest is brought in, or bumping heads against boundary stones to affirm the limits of the local world.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Grainge took over Universal in the UK when it was level pegging with EMI; one company invested steadily, the other didn't, and Universal launched the better acts, whether Amy Winehouse or Girls Aloud, or wooed them, from the Rolling Stones to Take That.

The Guardian

Hodgson is confident Gary Cahill, who was substituted near the end and applied ice to an ankle, will be fit for the game against Switzerland – ranked ninth in the world to England's 20th and Norway's 53rd – with John Stones, on his first start, having suffered cramp late on.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a young squad but, apart from John Stones, all of those starting this game were at the World Cup and felt that disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stones" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, such as obstacles or challenges. For literal use, consider specifying the type of stones (e.g., pebbles, boulders) for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "stones" in contexts where the literal meaning is unintentionally evoked. Overusing it metaphorically can make your writing sound clichéd. Consider alternative expressions to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "stones" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to multiple pieces of rock or similar material. It can also function metaphorically, as seen in Ludwig's examples, to represent obstacles or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Travel

18%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

6%

Business

6%

Sport

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stones" is a versatile and commonly used plural noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable in numerous contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Travel", and "Arts" sources, "stones" can refer literally to rocks or metaphorically to challenges. When writing with "stones", consider specifying the type of stone or ensure the metaphorical meaning is clear. Avoid overuse to prevent cliché. The related phrases offer alternatives for expressing similar concepts. Understanding the diverse applications of "stones" can significantly enhance writing clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pebbles

Replaces "stones" with a synonym referring to small, rounded rocks.

rocks

A broader term, encompassing various sizes of stones.

boulders

Refers to large stones, changing the scale of the object.

stepping stones

Specifies a particular arrangement and function of stones.

throwing rocks

Focuses on the action of throwing stones, rather than the objects themselves.

gemstones

Refers to precious stones, altering the context to jewelry or mineralogy.

cobblestones

Refers to stones used for paving, altering the context to construction.

hailstones

Refers to frozen stones of ice, altering the context to weather.

liths

A less common synonym for stones, shifting the register to a more archaic tone.

lapidary

Refers to the art of cutting, polishing, and engraving stones, broadening the context.

FAQs

How can I use "stones" in a sentence?

"Stones" can be used literally to refer to rocks, as in, "The path was covered in stones". It can also be used metaphorically to represent difficulties, as in, "They faced many stones on their journey".

What is the symbolic meaning of "stones"?

Symbolically, "stones" can represent resilience, permanence, or obstacles, depending on the context. Consider the phrase "set in stone" which signifies something unchangeable.

Which is correct, "stones" or "rocks"?

Both "stones" and "rocks" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Rocks" is a broader term, while "stones" often implies smaller, more manageable pieces of rock. Consider using "rocks" when referring to larger formations.

What are some idiomatic expressions that use the word "stones"?

Common idioms include "leave no stone unturned", meaning to search thoroughly, and "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones", which means to avoid criticizing others for flaws you share.