a sheet of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sheet of paper" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a single piece of paper, typically used for writing or printing. Example: I picked up a sheet of paper from the printer and wrote a quick note to my colleague.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sheet of paper?

Stanford University

(Cooper hands Preminger a sheet of paper).

The New Yorker

She shook out a sheet of paper.

The New Yorker

Someone handed him a sheet of paper.

The New York Times

Javi drew a happy face on a sheet of paper.

The New York Times

He slid a sheet of paper to Kelly.

The New Yorker

The old man handed him a sheet of paper.

The New Yorker

The body is more like a sheet of paper".

The New Yorker

Then he asked them to sign a sheet of paper.

The New York Times

The note was written on a sheet of paper headed.

The New Yorker

Grab a pen and a sheet of paper.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. For formal writing, "a piece of stationery" might be more appropriate, while in casual settings, "a page" can suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "sheet of paper" when the number is unclear. If you need multiple sheets, specify "several sheets of paper" or "a stack of paper" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sheet of paper" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of verbs or prepositions. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts like handing someone a document or drawing something. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

33%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sheet of paper" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to refer to a single piece of paper. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and general instructions. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the number of sheets if it's more than one, and choose alternative expressions based on context and desired level of formality. The provided examples from Ludwig offer practical insights into using the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a page

This alternative is shorter and more direct, losing some of the specificity.

a piece of stationery

This alternative emphasizes the material's purpose for writing or printing, highlighting a formal aspect.

a single leaf of paper

Emphasizes the individual nature of the paper, adding a touch of formality.

a blank page

This focuses on the emptiness of the paper, emphasizing its potential for content.

a clean sheet

Suggests a fresh start or new beginning, adding a metaphorical layer to the meaning.

a writing surface

Focuses on the function of the paper, broadening the scope to include other materials.

a paper document

Highlights the document aspect, implying it may contain important information.

a page of notes

Implies that the paper contains written information, narrowing the focus.

a piece of blank stock

This option introduces a sense of material and potential, moving towards printing contexts.

a stationery item

Similar to 'a piece of stationery', this expands to encompass various office supplies related to writing and documentation.

FAQs

How can I use "a sheet of paper" in a sentence?

You can use "a sheet of paper" to describe a single piece of paper used for writing, drawing, or printing. For instance, "He scribbled a note on "a sheet of paper"" or "She handed me "a sheet of paper" with instructions".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a page", "a piece of paper", or "a blank page".

Is "a sheet of paper" the same as "a piece of paper"?

While both refer to a single piece of paper, ""a sheet of paper"" often implies a standard size or type of paper, like that used in printers or notebooks. "a piece of paper" is more general and can refer to any fragment or portion of paper.

When should I use "a sheet of paper" versus "paper"?

"A sheet of paper" specifies a single, distinct item. Use "paper" when referring to the material in general or an unspecified quantity, such as "I need more paper for the printer."