a fragment of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fragment of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a portion of something. For example, "This necklace has a fragment of my grandmother's favorite song engraved on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Forgive a fragment of autobiography.

Independent

A fragment of poetry?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A fragment of a transistor radio.

The New Yorker

A fragment of the axle has survived.

Independent

We have reclaimed a fragment of asylum.

The New York Times - Health

To Kass, the blastocyst is already a fragment of humanity.

The New York Times - Books

TIME TO BE IN EARNEST: A Fragment of an Autobiography.

The New York Times - Books

Those companies are selling only a fragment of your identity.

The New York Times

He held what looked like a fragment of bone.

The New Yorker

This oil painting shows a fragment of what I intended.

The Guardian - Books

Not a fragment of any of his paintings survives.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fragment of" to precisely indicate a small, broken, or incomplete part of something, suggesting incompleteness or damage. For instance, "a fragment of pottery" implies a broken piece, while "a fragment of memory" suggests an incomplete recollection.

Common error

Avoid using "fragment" when a more general term like "piece" or "part" would be more appropriate. "Fragment" implies a sense of being broken or incomplete; if the item is simply a portion of a whole without being damaged, "piece" or "part" may be a better choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fragment of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating a part or piece of something. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts, reinforcing its role in specifying a portion of a whole. The structure typically precedes a noun, as in "a fragment of bone" or "a fragment of memory."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fragment of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to denote a part or piece of something, often implying incompleteness. With Ludwig AI confirming its correctness, it is widely accepted and understood. Its usage is particularly common in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "a piece of" or "a part of", the choice depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. When writing, it's important to reserve "fragment" for cases where the item is genuinely broken or incomplete, avoiding overuse when a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of

Emphasizes a portion of a whole, focusing on the physical aspect of division.

a part of

Highlights the role or function of something within a larger system or entity.

a portion of

Indicates a specific quantity or allocation of something, often in a formal context.

an element of

Suggests a fundamental or essential component that contributes to the overall structure.

a section of

Refers to a distinct and often physically separate area within a larger whole.

a segment of

Implies a division into parts, often with a focus on sequential or numerical order.

a sliver of

Conveys a small or narrow piece, often with a sense of delicacy or fragility.

a shard of

Highlights a broken or sharp piece, typically from something that has been shattered.

a glimpse of

Suggests a brief or fleeting view, often implying something hidden or elusive.

an excerpt from

Focuses on a selected passage or quotation taken from a larger work, such as a text or recording.

FAQs

How can I use "a fragment of" in a sentence?

Use "a fragment of" to indicate a small, broken, or incomplete part of something. For example, "The archaeologist found "a fragment of" an ancient vase" or "I only remember "a fragment of" the dream".

What can I say instead of "a fragment of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a piece of", "a part of", or "a portion of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "fragments of" instead of "a fragment of"?

Yes, "fragments of" is correct when referring to multiple pieces. For example, "fragments of pottery" refers to several broken pieces of pottery, while ""a fragment of" pottery" refers to a single piece.

What's the difference between ""a fragment of"" and "a piece of"?

"A fragment of" typically implies that the item is broken or incomplete, while "a piece of" simply refers to a portion of something. For instance, ""a fragment of" glass" suggests shattered glass, whereas "a piece of glass" could be a whole, unbroken shard.