tuft of grass

USAGE SUMMARY

"tuft of grass" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a small patch of grass, like this: "A tuft of grass was growing in the middle of the sidewalk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Remarkably, it looked like the same stiff tuft of grass.

The New York Times - Food

Weeds have already begun to sprout here and there, the odd tuft of grass, emerging funghi.

The Guardian - Arts

A vole slips out of a deep tuft of grass and runs to safety.

The New York Times

There is not one tree or tuft of grass, not even a patch of moss.

The New York Times - Arts

He draws a tuft of grass, for instance, as five or six springing, more or less parallel strokes.

The Guardian - Arts

The year he won, he crouched, plucked a tuft of grass from the court, and stuffed it into his mouth.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

On the ground, the piece sprouted tufts of grass.

The New York Times

Halfway down a vertical cliff face a sheep was grazing at some tufts of grass.

The Guardian - Travel

Tufts of grass sprout through cracks in concrete paving that is in dire need of replacement.

The Guardian

The tiny squares also mimicked close-up details: individual leaves, tufts of grass and shadows on a branch.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was casually hopping around, finding tufts of grass poking out of the snow, and nibbling the tips.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tuft of grass" when you want to describe a small, distinct bunch or clump of grass, often isolated or standing out from its surroundings. It adds a specific visual detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "tuft of grass" to describe a large, continuous expanse of grass, such as a lawn or field. A "tuft" implies a small, separate bunch, not a widespread covering.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tuft of grass" is as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI states, it correctly and usefully describes a small patch of grass. The provided examples demonstrate its use in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tuft of grass" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that provides a specific description of a small clump of grass. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and clear meaning. Predominantly found in News & Media, and Encyclopedia contexts, it serves to add visual detail and imagery to writing. While suitable for various writing styles, it is important to reserve it for describing small, distinct patches, rather than large expanses of grass. Alternative terms include "clump of grass" and "patch of grass".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clump of grass

This alternative uses a more general term for a grouping of grass.

patch of grass

Focuses on the area covered by the grass, rather than the bunching.

sprig of grass

Implies a smaller, more delicate piece of grass.

blade of grass

Refers to a single, individual piece of grass within the tuft.

hunk of sod

Describes a larger, denser piece of grassy earth.

sprig of greenery

Broader term including grass but also other green plants.

patch of green

Emphasizes the color rather than the structure of the grass.

clump of vegetation

A more generic phrase that encompasses various types of plant life.

grassy mound

Describes a raised area covered in grass, suggesting a larger scale.

small grassy hillock

Focuses on the raised, hilly nature of the grass-covered area.

FAQs

How can I use "tuft of grass" in a sentence?

You can use "tuft of grass" to describe a small clump of grass, for example: "A lone "tuft of grass" stubbornly grew through the cracks in the pavement." Or: "The rabbit hid behind a "tuft of grass", blending in with its surroundings."

What is a synonym for "tuft of grass"?

Alternatives to "tuft of grass" include "clump of grass", "patch of grass", or "sprig of grass", depending on the specific imagery you want to evoke.

Is "tuft of grass" a formal or informal phrase?

"Tuft of grass" is considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the writing.

Can "tuft of grass" be used metaphorically?

While primarily a literal description, "tuft of grass" can be used metaphorically to represent something small, resilient, or out of place, similar to how a single plant can symbolize hope or persistence in an unexpected environment.