a piece of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a piece of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific item or substance, often in contexts related to textiles, construction, or any physical substance. Example: "She chose a piece of material to create her new dress, selecting a vibrant fabric that caught her eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

So I write a piece of material.

The New York Times

"I'm glad they took the flag down, but the flag is a piece of material.

The Guardian

The body was found with a piece of material, a blanket, that came from the location".

The New York Times

I really like being able to revisit a piece of material.

The Guardian

I have had a piece of material which is very similar to another act's.

The Guardian

The fake pipe bomb was equipped with a piece of material made to look like a wick.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Get a piece of coloured material in the shape of a square for a saddle cloth.

WikiHow

I felt like I was a piece of educational material".

The New York Times - Magazine

We will provide Mr. Dewey, free of charge, with a piece of campaign material.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, September 30 , 1944P. 15 We will provide Mr. Dewey, free of charge, with a piece of campaign material.

The New Yorker

Cut a piece of matching material for the waistband.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art projects, use "a piece of material" to refer to the base substance an artist manipulates, such as in collage or sculpture. For instance: "She incorporated a piece of material into her mixed-media artwork to add texture."

Common error

Avoid using "a piece of material" when a more specific term would provide clarity. For example, instead of saying "He found a piece of material on the ground", specify "He found a scrap of leather on the ground" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a piece of material" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a tangible substance and often describes something used in crafts, construction, or other practical applications. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a piece of material" is a common noun phrase used to describe a tangible substance, often in contexts related to crafting, construction, or general descriptions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of applications. Its usage spans from news articles and encyclopedias to wikis, indicating a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, ensure it is specific enough for the context or consider using more descriptive alternatives like "a scrap of fabric" or "a section of cloth" for better clarity. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirm its widespread acceptance and utility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scrap of fabric

Focuses on the textile aspect, suggesting a small or leftover portion.

a section of cloth

Highlights the textile nature and implies a part of a larger whole.

an item of fabric

Emphasizes that it is a countable object.

a remnant of material

Suggests it is a leftover piece from a larger project or source.

a swatch of material

Suggests a sample or small piece used for testing or display.

a sample of textile

Highlights that it is a sample, and uses a more formal term for cloth.

a segment of textile

Uses a more formal term for cloth, emphasizing its woven nature.

a fragment of cloth

Implies that it is a small, broken piece of cloth.

a portion of stuff

Uses a vague term, making the phrase less specific about the type of material.

a length of goods

Focuses on the dimensions and commercial aspect of the textile.

FAQs

How can I use "a piece of material" in a sentence?

You can use "a piece of material" to refer to a physical substance, like fabric or cloth. For instance, "She used "a piece of material" to patch the hole in her jeans."

What are some synonyms for "a piece of material"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a scrap of fabric", "a section of cloth", or "an item of fabric".

Is it better to use "a piece of material" or "a bit of material"?

Both "a piece of material" and "a bit of material" are grammatically correct, but "a piece of material" is generally more formal and specific. "A bit of material" might imply a smaller, less defined amount.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a piece of material"?

Avoid using "a piece of material" when a more precise term is necessary for clarity. For example, in scientific contexts, specify the exact type of material (e.g. "a sample of silicon" instead of ""a piece of material"").