a strand of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strand of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a single piece or element of something that is typically part of a larger whole, often in contexts related to materials, ideas, or narratives. Example: "She found a strand of hair on the pillow, which made her think of the last time he was there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a strand of irony here.

The Guardian - Sport

Joe Laquatra tests a strand of Christmas lights for lead.

Cornell University

A strand of hair fell over his face.

The New Yorker

"She even got a strand of Mother Teresa's hair.

The New York Times - Style

What is a strand of Washington's hair worth?

The New York Times

I bought a strand of pearls for about $20.

The New York Times

Isn't it a strand of Islam, founded by Muhammad?

The New York Times - Magazine

A strand of religious imagery eventually creeps in.

The Guardian - Music

Beneath the surface, though, is a strand of heavy pathos.

The Guardian

The hairdresser tugged on a strand of hair.

The New Yorker

(A strand of DNA is roughly 2.5 nanometers in diameter).

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strand of", ensure the context clearly indicates what the strand is part of. For instance, "a strand of DNA" is more specific than just "a strand".

Common error

Avoid using "a strand of" in overly abstract or vague contexts where a more precise term would be appropriate. For example, instead of "a strand of thought", consider specifying the type of thought or idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strand of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun phrase, typically modifying another noun to specify a single, often thin or linear, component. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strand of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a single component or element, often with a linear or thread-like connotation. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general usage. When deploying this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure clarity and precision. While versatile, avoid overuse in abstract or vague scenarios where more specific language may be preferable. "A strand of" appears most frequently in news and media sources, according to the analysis, followed by academic sources, and demonstrates a neutral formality suitable for wide application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of

Indicates a part or portion, focusing on the physical aspect rather than an abstract element.

a thread of

Suggests a fine, continuous element, often used metaphorically for ideas or narratives.

an element of

Highlights a component part, emphasizing its role in the overall structure or concept.

a component of

Highlights that the related phrase serves as a building block for a larger concept, project or thing.

a hint of

Implies a subtle presence or suggestion, often used for qualities or characteristics.

a touch of

Conveys a slight addition or influence, often related to emotions or sensory experiences.

a trace of

Indicates a minimal amount or remaining sign of something, usually after it has diminished.

a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or momentary sign, often related to hope or understanding.

a vestige of

Implies a remaining part or indication of something that no longer exists in its original form.

a fraction of

Emphasizes a small portion or division of a whole, often used in quantitative contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a strand of" in a sentence?

You can use "a strand of" to refer to a single piece or element of something, like "a strand of hair", "a strand of pearls", or "a strand of thought".

What phrases are similar to "a strand of"?

Similar phrases include "a piece of", "a thread of", "an element of", and "a hint of", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a strand of" and "a piece of"?

"A strand of" often implies something long and thin or a component of something larger, while "a piece of" is more general and can refer to any part or fragment.

When should I use "a thread of" instead of "a strand of"?

"A thread of" is typically used metaphorically to describe a subtle connection or element, such as "a thread of hope", while "a strand of" can be more literal, as in "a strand of hair".