bits of thread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bits of thread" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to small pieces or fragments of thread, often in contexts related to sewing, crafting, or textiles. Example: "She collected bits of thread from the floor after finishing her sewing project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Surprisingly, each drop packs enough punch in its watery skins to reel in loose bits of thread.

The Washington Post

Senator McCain tells of a prisoner who gathered bits of thread and sewed an American flag inside his shirt.

The New York Times

And for some of us who think and write every day, gathering bits of thread that can then be elegantly knit into a thoughtful narratives isn't cheating, or lazy.

Huffington Post

Using bits of thread to define the main road, blue lint for the river on each side of the village, and leaves to symbolise the paddy fields, the volunteer is progressively giving shape to the village representation on the ground.

Unicef

'Walk of shame' Using bits of thread to define the main road, blue lint for the local river, and leaves to symbolise the paddy fields, a volunteer progressively mapped out the village on the ground in front of everyone.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This project only requires accessing a little bit of thread state from interrupt handlers.

Stanford University

So peasants and fishermen saved every scrap and bit of thread they could buy, or barter, for recycling into clothing.

The New York Times - Arts

Wink Brow Bar, a salon that opened in the West Village in March, is dedicated solely to the art of plumping brows with the help of natural dyes and a bit of thread — along with free Champagne.

The New York Times

When they immobilized his third pair by tying it up with a bit of thread, she just wasn't interested.

Science Magazine

When her baby was about a month old she felt a little bit of thread sticking out of her surgery scar.

BBC

If you caught the thread from the previous stitch correctly, this stitch should hold a bit of thread along the edge of the applique.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sewing or crafting projects, use "bits of thread" to refer to small, often leftover, pieces of thread that may be scattered around the workspace.

Common error

Avoid using "bits of thread" metaphorically when referring to intangible concepts such as ideas or memories. While "threads" can be used metaphorically, "bits of thread" is typically reserved for literal, physical thread fragments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bits of thread" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to denote small, fragmented pieces of thread, often in contexts related to sewing, crafting, or textiles, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bits of thread" is a noun phrase used to describe small pieces or fragments of thread, commonly found in contexts related to sewing, crafting, and textiles. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English. While not an extremely common phrase, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. It's important to use the phrase literally, referring to physical thread pieces, and to avoid metaphorical applications. Alternatives include "pieces of thread" or "scraps of thread", which can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pieces of thread

Replaces "bits" with "pieces", offering a direct synonym with nearly identical meaning.

scraps of thread

Substitutes "bits" with "scraps", implying remnants or discarded pieces of thread.

fragments of thread

Replaces "bits" with "fragments", emphasizing the broken or incomplete nature of the thread pieces.

strands of thread

Focuses on individual strands, rather than general pieces.

small pieces of thread

Adds the adjective "small" for emphasis on size.

remnants of thread

Emphasizes that the threads are leftover pieces.

shreds of thread

Implies the thread is torn or damaged.

clippings of thread

Suggests the threads were cut or trimmed.

fibers of thread

Shifts the focus to the individual fibers composing the thread.

ends of thread

Highlights the terminal parts of threads, usually after cutting or breaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "bits of thread" to describe small pieces of thread, typically in crafting or sewing contexts, like: "She gathered the "pieces of thread" from the sewing table."

What are some synonyms for "bits of thread"?

Alternatives include "scraps of thread", "fragments of thread", or "remnants of thread", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "bits of thread" in a metaphorical sense?

While "threads" can be used metaphorically, "bits of thread" is best reserved for literal references to small pieces of thread. Consider using "threads of connection" or similar phrases for abstract concepts.

Which is more accurate, "bits of thread" or "pieces of thread"?

"Bits of thread" and "pieces of thread" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context, as they carry almost identical meanings.