a set of pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set of pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a collection or group of individual items that are part of a whole, often in contexts like games, puzzles, or collections. Example: "The chessboard was beautifully crafted, and each piece was part of a set of pieces that represented different historical figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

During this period he composed Façade (1923)—a set of pieces for chamber ensemble, to accompany the Sitwells' sister Edith in a recitation of her poetry as well as Sinfonia Concertante for piano and orchestra (1928; revised 1943) and Portsmouth Point (1926), which established his reputation as an orchestral composer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An exception is a set of pieces by the Italian avant-garde composer Salvatore Sciarrino, who transcribed works from Gesualdo to Gershwin for saxophone quartet.

The New York Times - Arts

In 1994 she was approached by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, which was commissioning a set of pieces on which composers would work with other artists from other disciplines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They briefly showed him a diagram of a chess position from an "obscure master game," gave him a set of pieces and asked him to re-create the position on an empty board from memory.

The New York Times

The album is a set of pieces for drum set, gongs, electric guitar and electric bass, violin and viola, and in one case the single note of a piano.

The New York Times - Arts

He is creating a set of pieces for the pianist Ursula Oppens by recording keyboard improvisations on a computer, then refining the material into what he considers diary entries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Unlike those used today, Dr Laennec's stethoscope was not a set of ear pieces connected by a plastic tube to a chest piece.

Independent

— In a large — but not quite large enough — warehouse here earlier this month, a young man was shrink-wrapping a set of chess pieces by hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. O'Riley's performance will also include "Falling Canons," a set of contrapuntal pieces based on Kenneth Fuchs's "Falling Man," an orchestral work inspired by a Don DeLillo novel.

The New York Times

The larger work is a set of 12 pieces inspired by signs of the zodiac.

The New York Times - Arts

Played complete, these five works -- each a set of shorter pieces -- take roughly 60 minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set of pieces", ensure that the context clearly indicates what constitutes a 'piece'. For example, "a set of chess pieces" is more precise than simply "a set of pieces".

Common error

Avoid using "a set of pieces" when a more specific term would provide clarity. Instead of "a set of musical pieces", consider specifying "a song cycle" or "a collection of études".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of pieces" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this expression is commonly used to denote a collection of items forming a distinct unit. For example, it can describe components of a game, parts of a mechanism, or artworks in an exhibition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a set of pieces" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe a collection of individual items considered as a unit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of clarity and avoid overgeneralization by specifying the type of pieces involved. Alternatives such as "a collection of items" or "a group of components" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of items

Emphasizes the gathering or accumulation aspect, moving away from the structured arrangement implied by "pieces".

a group of components

Focuses on the individual parts that make up a larger whole, suitable when discussing technical or structural elements.

an array of elements

Suggests a structured arrangement or display of items, emphasizing their organization.

a selection of fragments

Highlights the broken or incomplete nature of the items, useful when discussing remnants or portions.

an assortment of parts

Implies a varied and diverse collection, suitable when the items differ significantly from each other.

a series of segments

Emphasizes the sequential or connected nature of the items, often used in technical or analytical contexts.

a compilation of segments

Suggests that elements have been gathered together into a single set.

a suite of segments

Draws on musical terminology to indicate a group of compositions.

an accumulation of portions

Suggests that elements have been gathered together into a single set.

a mosaic of fragments

Uses a visual metaphor to describe how items are assembled and creates an image.

FAQs

How can I use "a set of pieces" in a sentence?

You can use "a set of pieces" to refer to a collection or group of individual items that are part of a whole. For example, "The artist created a stunning mosaic using "a set of pieces" of colored glass".

What are some alternatives to "a set of pieces"?

Alternatives include "a collection of items", "a group of components", or "an array of elements", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a set of pieces" or "a collection of pieces"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a collection of pieces" may sound more natural in some contexts, as it emphasizes the act of gathering or accumulating the items. "A set of pieces" often implies a more organized or structured arrangement.

When is it appropriate to use "a set of pieces"?

It is appropriate when referring to a collection or group of individual items that are part of a whole, often in contexts like games, puzzles, or collections, where the items are distinct and contribute to a larger entity.