written in stone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "written in stone" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe something that will not (or cannot) change, something that has been definitively decided or declared and is not open to dispute or alteration. Example: The company policy against drug use was written in stone – there would be no exceptions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that written in stone?

The New York Times

He added, "Nothing's written in stone".

The New York Times - Arts

It's not written in stone.

The Washington Post

"Nothing is written in stone".

The New York Times

"Nothing's written in stone," Payton said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Nothing is written in stone," he said.

The New York Times

"The unnamed is, after all, written in stone, not water".

The New Yorker

What happens next might as well be written in stone.

The New York Times - Arts

Thankfully those unwelcome outcomes aren't written in stone.

Columbia University

But that damage need not be written in stone.

The New York Times - Health

"There is nothing written in stone," Professor Bell said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "written in stone" to emphasize the rigidity and unchangeable nature of a decision, rule, or plan. For example, "The company policy against drug use was "written in stone" – there would be no exceptions."

Common error

Avoid using "written in stone" in literal contexts; it's an idiom. Instead of saying "The inscription was "written in stone", describe the material directly (e.g., "The inscription was carved into the stone tablet").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "written in stone" functions as an idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something that is fixed, unchangeable, or definitively decided, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

18%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "written in stone" is a common idiom used to describe something that is unchangeable or definitively decided. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. The phrase functions to emphasize permanence and finality, with its usage being particularly frequent in news and media, as well as academic settings. While acceptable in formal writing, alternatives such as "set in stone" or "firmly established" may be preferred for a more formal tone. Remember to use it figuratively to highlight the rigidity of the matter at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set in stone

Emphasizes the permanence and inflexibility of a decision or plan.

carved in rock

Similar to "written in stone", emphasizing durability and resistance to change.

unchangeable

Directly states the inability to be altered.

irreversible

Highlights the impossibility of reverting to a previous state.

firmly established

Suggests a strong and stable foundation, making change difficult.

cannot be altered

Explicitly states the inability to make changes.

definitely decided

Focuses on the finality of the decision-making process.

not open to revision

Indicates a closed stance against any modifications or alterations.

established rule

Indicates that something has been formalized and unlikely to be changed.

engraved in the record

Implies a lasting and indelible mark.

FAQs

How can I use "written in stone" in a sentence?

Use "written in stone" to describe something that is unchangeable or definitively decided, such as "The contract terms are "written in stone" and cannot be renegotiated."

What does "written in stone" mean?

The phrase "written in stone" means that something is permanent and cannot be altered or changed. It implies a high degree of certainty and finality.

What are some alternatives to saying "written in stone"?

You can use alternatives like "set in stone", "unchangeable", or "irreversible" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "written in stone" in formal writing?

Yes, "written in stone" is acceptable in formal writing, though it can sometimes sound slightly informal. Consider alternatives like "firmly established" or "definitely decided" for a more formal tone.