sturdy surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sturdy surface" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a surface that is strong and sturdy, or able to support a lot of weight or pressure. For example, "He carefully placed the sculpture on a sturdy surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Cut on a sturdy surface, moving the knife's edge away from your body.

The New York Times

If you have no tripod, cast an eye around for a sturdy surface like a wall or bench.

Independent

This art supply bag unfolds to form a sturdy surface for coloring, drawing and writing, whether in the car, plane or delayed at the gate.

The New York Times

Fill with the pitted cherries in a single layer. 2 Put a clean tea towel on a sturdy surface (sometimes an outdoor table is best) with the short side closest to you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4. Bent-Over Row (also hits biceps): Bend over and support your lower back by placing your hand and knee on a sturdy surface such as a bench.

Huffington Post

But while intended to have one's music player sit between the speakers, it's not all that stable unless sitting on a sturdy surface.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Along the only road that runs from Jawhar to the villages, a sturdy surfaced road gives way to a mushy rocky track leading up to Bandrichiwadi, on which hardly any motorized vehicles ply.

The New York Times

The device's kickstand and detachable keyboard work well on sturdy surfaces (like the aforementioned desk or table), but when using it on your lap or on any kind of uneven surface, things can go downhill fast.

Forbes

A concrete water fountain in the center serves as a gathering spot with sturdy surfaces for seating and entertaining.

Los Angeles Times

You can use the candles on guest tables, buffets, cake table, bar and other sturdy surfaces.

WikiHow

Upon closer inspection, McKellar and his team noticed that some of the feathers resemble those found on modern birds, complete with barbs sporting tiny Velcro-like hooks that lock onto adjacent barbs to create a sturdy flight surface.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing equipment setup or construction, use "sturdy surface" to assure readers about the stability and safety of the working environment. For example, "Always place power tools on a "sturdy surface" to prevent accidents."

Common error

While "sturdy surface" is a clear and functional phrase, relying on it excessively can make your writing repetitive. Try to use synonyms like "stable platform" or "solid base" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sturdy surface" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "sturdy" is an adjective modifying the noun "surface". It describes a quality of the surface, emphasizing its ability to provide reliable support. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sturdy surface" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a surface that is strong and stable, capable of supporting weight or withstanding pressure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely applicable in various contexts. The analysis reveals its frequent use in instructional and descriptive writing, particularly within WikiHow guides and news articles. While versatile, it's advisable to consider synonyms like "stable platform" or "solid base" to enhance the variety in your writing. Remember, a "sturdy surface" ensures safety and reliability, making it a key detail when providing instructions or describing physical setups.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

robust surface

Replaces "sturdy" with "robust", emphasizing strength and durability.

durable surface

Focuses on the surface's ability to withstand wear and tear.

stable platform

Uses "platform" instead of "surface", suggesting a raised or supportive area, and "stable" for reliability.

solid base

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the surface, highlighting its firmness.

firm foundation

Similar to solid base, but uses "foundation" to imply a more structured support.

resilient surface

Highlights the surface's ability to recover from stress or impact.

unyielding surface

Emphasizes the surface's resistance to pressure or force.

reliable support

Shifts the focus from the surface itself to its function as a support.

strong plane

Uses "plane" to specify a flat surface, and "strong" for its capacity to bear weight.

well-built surface

Highlights the quality of construction contributing to the surface's stability.

FAQs

How can I use "sturdy surface" in a sentence?

You can use "sturdy surface" to describe a stable base for various activities. For instance, "Place the heavy equipment on a "sturdy surface" to prevent it from tipping over."

What can I say instead of "sturdy surface"?

You can use alternatives like "stable platform", "solid base", or "firm foundation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sturdy surface"?

The phrase "sturdy surface" is appropriate when you need to emphasize the reliability and load-bearing capacity of a surface, such as when providing instructions for setting up equipment or performing tasks that require stability.

What is the difference between "sturdy surface" and "stable surface"?

While both phrases refer to surfaces that provide stability, "sturdy surface" emphasizes the strength and ability to bear weight, whereas "stable surface" primarily focuses on preventing movement or wobbling.