a hunk of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hunk of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large piece or chunk of bread, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After a long day, I enjoyed a hunk of bread with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A hunk of bread and a glass of amber liquid complete the still life.

The Guardian - Arts

"I do," he replied, ripping a hunk of bread from a loaf and spreading butter on it.

The New Yorker

A bowlful of deep, savoury stock without a hunk of bread is only half a meal, to my mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You tear off a hunk of bread, use it to scoop up some curry and shovel it into your mouth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plain rice or a hunk of bread are what you need with this dish that's big on flavour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sausage had been roasted over the coals for so long that it was like leather, stuffed into a hunk of bread with a piece of onion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Don't forget to mop up the mussel soup with a hunk of crusty bread.

The New York Times - Travel

On a busy street near the Tunel tram stop, a kokorec seller slices and dices the meat, adding tomato and green pepper, then slides it into a hunk of toasted bread.

The New York Times

Then there's the unusual food: a hunk of warm bread wrapped in a handkerchief and accompanied by a side of bone-marrow-juice dip provides the first evidence of Mr. Liporace's inventiveness.

The New York Times - Travel

And a slice of roast pork thick as a hunk of peasant bread, golden-rimmed, resting on an even fatter slab of potato cake — something like pommes dauphine without the cheese or sauce — sheltering a huddle of luminous green kale.

The New York Times - Travel

They were augmented by a hunk of corn bread, spicy cole slaw, a ramekin of cactus pear and grilled pineapple salsa and a mountain of marvelous shoestring potatoes, which were flavorful, thin, crisp and greaseless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hunk of bread" to evoke a rustic or simple meal setting, emphasizing a substantial and unrefined portion.

Common error

Avoid using "a hunk of bread" in formal writing or professional settings, as it may sound too informal. Opt for "a piece of bread" or "a portion of bread" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hunk of bread" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the object of a verb or preposition in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage as a descriptive element within sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a hunk of bread" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase describing a large, roughly cut piece of bread. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is more common in informal contexts such as news, lifestyle, and travel writing. While the phrase is suitable for descriptive purposes, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives like "a piece of bread" in professional or academic settings. Remember to employ "a hunk of bread" to evoke a sense of rusticity and simplicity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chunk of bread

"Chunk" is a synonym for "hunk", indicating a roughly cut piece.

a large piece of bread

Replaces "hunk" with a more generic descriptor of size.

a slab of bread

"Slab" suggests a thick, flat piece.

a thick slice of bread

Combines the idea of a slice with considerable thickness.

a wedge of bread

"Wedge" implies a triangular piece cut from a larger loaf.

a piece of crusty bread

Specifies both the portion and the texture of the bread.

a generous portion of bread

Emphasizes the size of the serving.

a slice of bread

"Slice" indicates a thin, even cut.

a crust of bread

"Crust" refers specifically to the outer part of the bread.

a loaf of bread

Refers to the whole baked item, not a portion.

FAQs

How can I use "a hunk of bread" in a sentence?

You can use "a hunk of bread" to describe a large, roughly cut piece of bread, often in informal or rustic settings. For example, "He tore off "a hunk of bread" and dipped it in the stew."

What is a more formal alternative to "a hunk of bread"?

In more formal contexts, you can use "a piece of bread", "a portion of bread", or "a slice of bread" depending on the size and shape. For instance, instead of saying "Give me "a hunk of bread"", you might say "Please pass me a slice of bread".

Is there a difference between "a hunk of bread" and "a slice of bread"?

"A hunk of bread" implies a large, irregularly shaped piece, often torn or broken off, while "a slice of bread" refers to a thinner, more uniform cut, usually from a loaf with a knife. Therefore, you cannot replace "a slice of bread" with "a hunk".

What kind of imagery does "a hunk of bread" evoke?

"A hunk of bread" often brings to mind a rustic, simple, or even medieval scene. It suggests a substantial, unrefined piece, unlike the more delicate image of "a slice of bread".