bits of string

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bits of string" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to small pieces or fragments of string, often in a descriptive or illustrative context. Example: "She collected bits of string from various projects to use in her next craft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Bits of string were woven into spiders' webs.

The New York Times - Arts

What if the seeds of reality were rather teeny tiny wiggly little bits of string?

The New York Times - Science

Not content with fishing about using bits of string, Roach reveals he went a step further.

The Guardian

The Chief Defect of Henry King Was chewing little bits of String.

The New Yorker

I liked making elaborate games and toys out of bits of string and cardboard!

The Guardian - Film

Bits of string join the different pictures indicating that suspects are connected or related to each other.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

When undoing the braid you will need to separate the different bits of strings.

WikiHow

Jars are topped with a dainty red-and-white cloth tied with a bit of string.

The New York Times

The ball would hit a bit of string, a bit of frame, and fall over the net with a sorry plop!

The New Yorker

It ends with an innocuous performance video of an artist arranging a bit of string on a table.

The New York Times

And on the altar, very reverently placed, intensely there, is a dead kitten, an eggshell, a bit of string".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing crafts or DIY projects, use "bits of string" to convey a sense of resourcefulness and creativity. For example, "She used bits of string and fabric scraps to create a whimsical mobile."

Common error

Avoid using "bits of string" in formal or professional contexts where a more precise or technical term might be appropriate. For example, in a scientific paper, consider using "string fragments" or "short strands of string" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bits of string" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples include: "making elaborate games and toys out of bits of string and cardboard" or "tie bits of string or shreds of cloth to the marble trellis-work."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bits of string" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase, often employed in descriptive contexts, especially in news and media, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informality. To enhance clarity in formal writing, alternatives like "string fragments" or "short strands of string" might be more appropriate. The phrase effectively communicates the idea of small, often random pieces of string and frequently appears in discussions about arts, crafts, and everyday objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pieces of string

Direct synonym, emphasizes the fragmented nature of the string.

small string fragments

More formal, highlights the broken or incomplete state of the string.

string remnants

Implies leftover or discarded pieces of string.

string snippets

Suggests short, cut pieces of string.

oddments of string

Indicates miscellaneous or leftover pieces of string.

scraps of string

Emphasizes the discarded or unusable nature of the string pieces.

short strands of string

Highlights the thread-like quality and small size of the string pieces.

tiny pieces of twine

Specifies a particular type of string (twine) and its small size.

assorted string pieces

Implies a variety of different types or sizes of string pieces.

string offcuts

Suggests pieces of string that have been cut off from a larger piece.

FAQs

How can I use "bits of string" in a sentence?

"Bits of string" is typically used to describe small, often random or leftover pieces of string. For example, "The artist used "bits of string" to create a textured collage."

What are some synonyms for "bits of string"?

Alternatives for "bits of string" include "pieces of string", "string remnants", or "scraps of string". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "bits of string" formal or informal?

"Bits of string" is generally considered an informal phrase. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "string fragments" or "short strands of string".

What does "bits of string" imply?

"Bits of string" often implies small, insignificant, or discarded pieces of string. It can also suggest resourcefulness or creativity when used in the context of crafts or DIY projects. The connotation depends largely on the context in which the phrase is used.