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Prepositions before nouns

'Of block' vs. 'in block'

In block is uncommon in modern English except in specific contexts. Of block usually appears in larger noun phrases such as block of flats.

Quick answer

Common uses with 'block'

Use block of for composition or grouping, and in blocks for arrangement or division. In block alone is uncommon.

block of ice
The houses were arranged in blocks.
block of flats

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
block of + noun

Describing a solid mass or grouped building

Use of after block to identify what the block consists of.

block of cheese
2
in blocks

Arranged in sections

Use the plural expression in blocks for grouped arrangement.

The data is organised in blocks.
3
around the block

Talking about nearby streets

This idiom refers to the surrounding area or experience.

We walked around the block.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
block of
a block of wood
a solid piece or grouped structure
in block
The votes were cast in block.
rare; standard English usually prefers 'en bloc' or 'in blocks' depending on meaning
in blocks
The text is printed in blocks.
divided into sections
block by block
They searched the city block by block.
one section at a time

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using singular 'in block' for grouped arrangement

Modern English usually uses in blocks or en bloc.

✕ The files are sorted in block. ✓ The files are sorted in blocks.

Forgetting of after block

Block often needs of before the material or group.

✕ a block marble ✓ a block of marble

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Choose the standard phrase: a ___ of ice.
2. The buildings were arranged ___ blocks.
3. Which expression means section by section?

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Frequently asked questions

Is 'in block' ever correct?

It appears in some formal or historical contexts, but it is uncommon in everyday modern English.

What does 'block of flats' mean?

It means a building containing several apartments.

Can 'block' be a verb?

Yes. For example: 'A truck blocked the road.'

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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