a slice of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

'a slice of bread' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a single serving of an entire loaf of bread. For example, "I just need one slice of bread to make my sandwich."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Top each with a slice of bread.

The New York Times - Food

Top with a slice of bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One brought a slice of bread.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each face in the street is a slice of bread.

The New Yorker

Many students crowned the plate with a slice of bread.

The New York Times

Better take a slice of bread with cheese.

The New Yorker

From the nineties onward, we're not looking at the cute raccoon, with a slice of bread.

The New Yorker

Cranberry-and-Gruyère Grilled-Cheese Sandwich Spread cranberry sauce on a slice of bread.

The New York Times - Magazine

And who can resist a slice of bread and a hunk of cheese?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To serve, place a slice of bread on each plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Run a slice of bread over the large holes on the box grater.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a slice of bread" to depict poverty or scarcity in descriptive writing, as it's a universally understood symbol of basic sustenance.

Common error

Don't confuse "a slice of bread" with other types of bread preparations, such as a roll, a loaf, or toast. "A slice of bread" refers specifically to a cut piece from a loaf.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slice of bread" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it used in diverse contexts, from making sandwiches to representing basic sustenance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slice of bread" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a single serving of bread, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in contexts related to food, recipes, and even as a symbol of basic needs. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its usage is generally neutral, suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When writing, it is useful to remember that is more specific than "bread", but can be used as a way to depict poverty or scarcity in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bread slice

Reorders the words but maintains the same basic meaning.

a bread slice

Reordering of the original phrase.

a piece of bread

Replaces "slice" with "piece", indicating a portion of bread, but without specifying a cut.

a cut of bread

Replaces "slice" with "cut", emphasizing the action of cutting the bread.

a portion of bread

More formal way of saying "a slice of bread".

some bread

Uses a general term for bread, without indicating quantity or cut.

a slab of bread

Suggests a thicker, less precise cut than a "slice".

a serving of bread

Focuses on the portion size for consumption.

a wedge of bread

Implies a triangular cut, typically from a round loaf.

bread

Short and simple version of the phrase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slice of bread" in a sentence to describe making a sandwich, eating a simple meal, or even as a symbol of basic sustenance. For example, "I spread peanut butter on "a slice of bread" for a quick snack."

What can I say instead of "a slice of bread"?

You can use alternatives like "a piece of bread", "some bread", or "bread slice" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a bread slice" instead of "a slice of bread"?

While "a bread slice" is understandable, "a slice of bread" is the more common and natural phrasing. Both are grammatically correct, but the latter is preferred.

When might "a slice of bread" be used metaphorically?

"A slice of bread" can be used metaphorically to represent basic needs, simple pleasures, or small comforts. It often appears in contexts discussing poverty, survival, or gratitude for simple things.