the stump of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the stump of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the remaining part of something that has been cut off or removed, often in a literal sense, such as a tree stump, or metaphorically. Example: "After the storm, all that remained was the stump of the old oak tree that once stood tall in the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The stump of baguette?

The New Yorker

A loud wheezing came from the stump of the neck, which emitted irregular spurts of blood.

The New Yorker

The stump of an amputated structure may simply heal over without replacement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some grow a new structure on the stump of the old one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The stump of his leg was beginning to blister against its stirrup.

The New Yorker

Now he keeps the stump of his right hand hidden in a scarf lest anyone see.

The New York Times

Q. Mushrooms are growing around the stump of a fallen tree in my yard.

The New York Times

Sharp bolts of pain shoot through the stump of his right leg.

The New York Times - Sports

But the memories sometimes startle them, like the tingling in the stump of an amputee.

The New York Times

It is sacred, the Piaroas say, the stump of the tree of life, cut down by an evil deity.

The Economist

(At the end of last month, the stump of the "Midsummer Oak" was removed by the shopping centre).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the stump of", ensure the context clearly indicates what has been cut off or removed, providing a clear image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the stump of" when referring to something that has naturally ended or concluded; reserve it for situations where a deliberate cutting or removal has occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the stump of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating what remains after something has been cut off or removed. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"The stump of" is a prepositional phrase used to denote the remaining part of something after it has been cut or removed, with Ludwig AI confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to ensure the context accurately reflects a cutting or removal action. Remember to consider alternatives like "the remains of" or "the base of" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the remains of

Focuses on what is left after something has been destroyed or removed.

the remnants of

Similar to "the remains of", but can also imply a historical or cultural context.

the base of

Emphasizes the foundational part of something, typically a physical object.

the origin of

Highlights the starting point or source of something, often in a figurative sense.

the vestige of

Implies a trace or sign of something that no longer exists.

the root of

Indicates the underlying cause or foundation of something, often an abstract concept.

the fragment of

Refers to a broken or incomplete part of something.

the nub of

Identifies the central point or core of a matter.

the butt of

Describes the thick end of something or the target of ridicule.

the torso of

Specifically refers to the trunk of a body, either human or animal.

FAQs

How can I use "the stump of" in a sentence?

You can use "the stump of" to refer to the remaining part of something that has been cut off, such as "the stump of the tree" or "the stump of his arm".

What are some alternatives to "the stump of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the remains of", "the base of", or "the origin of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "the stump of" metaphorically?

Yes, "the stump of" can be used metaphorically to describe the remnants or core of something, although it is most commonly used in literal contexts.

What is the difference between "the stump of" and "the root of"?

"The stump of" typically refers to the physical remainder after cutting, while "the root of" usually refers to the cause or origin of something, often in an abstract sense.