a pad of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pad of paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a stack or collection of sheets of paper, typically bound together, used for writing or drawing. Example: "I grabbed a pad of paper to jot down my thoughts during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needed a pad of paper and a pencil.

The New Yorker

After dinner, she pulled out a pad of paper.

The New York Times

"And also — " "You'll notice I don't have a pad of paper.

The New Yorker

In one hand he held a pad of paper and in the other a pencil.

The New York Times

Mr. Luo could communicate only by writing on a pad of paper.

The New York Times

She put aside her sewing and picked up a pad of paper and a pencil.

The New York Times

At one point he pulled out a pad of paper and scribbled notes to himself.

The New York Times

— NICK BILTON The new iPad Mini is "light as a pad of paper," says Mr. Schiller.

The New York Times

For his part, Mr. Cheney sits and smiles beatifically, occasionally jotting something down on a pad of paper.

The New York Times

He picked up a pen, handed Clary a pad of paper and sat beside her as she wrote the letter.

The Guardian - Books

"WiFi," a seminar participant wrote on a pad of paper, adding the phonetic pronunciation for Wi: "Y".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pad of paper" when you want to describe a collection of sheets that are glued or bound at one edge. It is particularly effective in narrative writing to establish a scene involving sketching, note-taking or spontaneous writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a pad of paper" if you are referring to a large bulk of loose office paper intended for a printer. In those cases, the term "ream of paper" or "pack of paper" is more accurate.

Linguistic Context

In English grammar, "a pad of paper" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or a preposition. According to Ludwig, it is used to quantify paper as a collective unit rather than individual sheets. The structure consists of a determiner, a head noun (pad) and a prepositional phrase (of paper) that specifies the material.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academic

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "a pad of paper" is a robust and essential noun phrase in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used with high frequency across various genres, from high-brow literary fiction in The New Yorker to technical reviews in TechCrunch. It consistently refers to a bound set of sheets intended for manual writing. Whether you are describing a journalist's toolkit or comparing the weight of a new electronic device, this phrase remains the standard idiom for bound stationery. Its grammatical structure is simple and its meaning is unambiguous, making it a reliable choice for writers seeking clarity and descriptive precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a writing pad

Emphasizes the intended use for writing

a notepad

Refers specifically to bound sheets designed for taking notes

a tablet of paper

A slightly more formal or old-fashioned term for bound sheets

a block of paper

Implies a thicker or more substantial stack of sheets

a stack of paper

Refers to loose sheets piled together rather than bound

a bundle of paper

Suggests a group of papers tied or grouped together

a sketchbook

Specifies paper intended for drawing or artistic work

a ream of paper

Describes a specific quantity of 500 sheets

a sheet of paper

Refers to a single piece rather than a collection

a scrap of paper

Implies a small or discarded piece of paper

FAQs

How do I use "a pad of paper" in a sentence?

You can use it as a direct object or in a prepositional phrase. For example: "She grabbed "a pad of paper" to jot down the address."

What can I say instead of "a pad of paper"?

You can use alternatives like "a notepad", "a writing pad" or "a tablet of paper" depending on the context.

Is "a pad of paper" the same as a notebook?

While similar, "a pad of paper" usually refers to sheets glued at the top that can be easily torn off, whereas "a notebook" often implies a more permanent binding like spirals or stitching.

What is the difference between "a pad of paper" and "a stack of paper"?

A pad is bound together at one edge, while "a stack of paper" refers to loose sheets piled on top of one another.