Bloc or Block?

The difference between "Bloc" and "Block"

"Bloc" and "block" are easy to confuse.
  • "Bloc" is a group or an alliance (usually of countries) united by a common interest. For example:
    • The East African Community (EAC) is a bloc of six countries from the African Great Lakes region. correct tick
  • "Block" has many meanings. As a noun, "block" usually suggests a large box shape (e.g., block of flats, cheese block, engine block, chopping block). As a verb, it usually means "to prevent by interruption" (e.g., to block the light).
bloc or block?

More about "Bloc" and "Block"

The words "bloc" and "block" are homonyms (more specifically, homophones) because they sound identical. The word "block" has several meanings, one of which is close in meaning to "bloc," and this is often the source of the confusion. When it means "a collection of things," "block" is similar in meaning to "bloc" (which means "a group" or "an alliance").

Bloc

The noun "bloc" means "a group or an alliance united by a common interest." The members of a bloc are willing participants. "Bloc" most commonly refers to a group of nations, but it can be a group of anything that has decided to form a team.

Example sentences with "bloc":
  • Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile have removed all trade tariffs among them, cementing a bloc that the four hope will encourage free trade between Latin America and the rest of the world. correct tick
  • The combined economies of the Eurozone countries grew by 0.3% in the second quarter of this year, taking the bloc out of recession after 18 months, according to figures published today. correct tick

Block As a Noun

As a noun, "block" has many meanings. Here are the nine most common meanings:

(1) A large solid piece of material (e.g. stone, wood), typically with flat surfaces

For example:
  • When building the pyramids, they lifted the granite blocks using counterweights. correct tick
  • Have you eaten that whole block of cheese already? correct tick

(2) A place where someone's head is rested prior to beheading or a small slab (often wooden) for cutting and preparing food

For example:
  • Without saying a word, she placed her head on the chopping block. correct tick
  • You'll be for the chopping block. correct tick
  • (In this example, "chopping block" is also figuratively. This means you'll be in trouble.)
  • Use a chopping block for those onions so you don't mark the table. correct tick

(3) A frame with footrests used by sprinters to improve their start (usually "blocks")

For example:
  • He is exceptionally quick out of the blocks for such a large man. correct tick

(4) The main part of an internal combustion engine that houses the pistons

For example:
  • The oil leak has caused the engine to overheat. I am afraid you have melted the engine block. correct tick

(5) A building comprising flats (or apartments)

For example:
  • It's an ugly block of apartments, but the views are amazing. correct tick

(6) A group of buildings bounded by four streets

For example:
  • There's a shoe shop in the next block. correct tick
  • We only live a few blocks away. correct tick
  • (Note: Often there are no "blocks" involved. The term "block" has come to mean a rough distance, which is usually between 100-400m.)

(7) A large quantity of things regarded as a unit (i.e., a collection)

For example:
  • I have purchased a large block of shares. correct tick
  • If the Business Improvement District (BID) was as good for business as they claim, it would not have required the council's block of votes to force through its renewal. correct tick
Note: This is the meaning which is closest to "bloc," which means a "group" or an "alliance" (usually of willing participants).

Block of Voters or Bloc of Voters?

It is possible to have a "block of voters" and a "bloc of voters." Here's the difference:
  • With a block of voters, the voters would be grouped according to a common factor (e.g., the way they voted, their age, their class).
  • With a bloc of voters, the voters would have actively grouped themselves in order to have an effect towards a common interest.

(8) An act of blocking someone or something

For example:
  • If it were not for that stunning block from Wells, it would almost certainly have been a goal. correct tick
  • The sun reflects off the sea too, so apply plenty of block. correct tick

(9) An area of colour/color (usually on a flat surface)

For example:
  • The spiral effect radiates from a large block of blue in the middle of the painting. correct tick

Block As a Verb

As a verb, "to block" means:

(1) To obstruct or prevent movement or flow

For example:
  • The debris from the crash blocked the traffic for 10 hours. correct tick
  • The mixture of hair and grime will block the drains. correct tick
  • You are blocking the light. correct tick
  • It has already blocked the overflow pipe, and it is now blocking the main outlet. correct tick
(Note: The past participle is "blocked," and the present participle is "blocking." They come from the verb "to block.")

(2) To prevent an activity or planned activity

For example:
  • You can get as many signatures as you like. The boss will block your proposal. correct tick
  • Don't block my path, you horrid little cretin. correct tick

Writers' Bloc - A Play on Words

There is a website called "Writers Bloc." This is a play on words. It denotes a group of writers who have come together to help each other.

("Writers' block" is a condition with which an author loses the ability to produce new work.)
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This page was written by Craig Shrives.