bits of twine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bits of twine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to small pieces or lengths of twine, often in a context related to crafting, packaging, or tying things together. Example: "She gathered bits of twine from the craft box to secure the gift wrap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ever since the automobile age began, drivers had advertised their opinions with handmade placards tied to their cars with bits of twine.

The New York Times - Magazine

This summer, a minor tabloid scandal broke after Stewart was quoted in a paper saying, of his constituency, "Some areas around here are pretty primitive, people holding up their trousers with bits of twine and that sort of thing".

The New Yorker

The feathers ruffled by his interview follow his description of his Cumbrian constituents this summer as "pretty primitive people, holding up their trousers with bits of twine and that sort of thing".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Barker also shows me what he calls his and Armstrong's "wedding portrait" -- a painting of their two erect penises, one black and one white, tied together with a bit of twine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or if all this seems too much for you, just soak a bit of twine in water (to prevent it from burning, Cimarusti says), tie it securely around a juicy New York steak -- the taut string plumps the meat and allows it to cook uniformly -- and throw it on the grill.

Los Angeles Times

Maybe it's because viewers have become so inept at the most basic of human tasks — securing food, building lodgings, making fire — it's comforting to see folks who can do all three with just a sharp knife and a bit of twine.

Los Angeles Times

Their hands are fastened together with a bit of twine or cord, while their guests observe.

WikiHow

Repeat with a second piece of twine so that you have two loops on the bit guard.

WikiHow

Each oyster pitch is marked by a long pole - well, more of a branch, really - with a plastic bag, a bit of netting or a piece of twine attached to it to declare the owner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take the bridle (a piece of twine tied to the bit as a headstall will work just fine for this stage) and put the bit in your hand as you normally would to bridle a horse.

WikiHow

Barney was gathering stray bits of baler twine and rolling them up into a neat ball.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing crafts or DIY projects, use "bits of twine" to evoke a rustic or homespun feel. This adds texture and authenticity to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "bits of twine" in formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "lengths of twine" or "sections of cord" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bits of twine" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes small pieces or fragments of twine, often in a crafting or DIY context. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bits of twine" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe small pieces or fragments of twine. While considered relatively rare in overall usage, as confirmed by Ludwig, it frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki contexts, often evoking a rustic or homespun atmosphere. When aiming for formality or technical accuracy, alternatives such as ""pieces of twine"" or ""lengths of twine"" may be more suitable. Overall, as Ludwig indicated, "bits of twine" is suitable in written English to describe small pieces of twine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pieces of twine

Replaces "bits" with "pieces", offering a more formal synonym but maintains the core meaning.

small pieces of twine

Adds the adjective "small" to reinforce the size of the twine pieces.

strands of twine

Focuses on individual strands rather than general pieces, suitable when describing the composition of the twine.

lengths of twine

Emphasizes the measurement aspect of the twine fragments.

short lengths of twine

Combines "lengths of twine" with the specification that they are "short".

fragments of twine

Highlights the broken or incomplete nature of the twine pieces.

scraps of twine

Implies the twine is leftover or discarded material.

segments of twine

Suggests deliberately cut sections of twine.

twine remnants

Focuses on the leftover portions of twine.

twine clippings

Specifies that the twine pieces were created by cutting.

FAQs

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

You might say, "She used "bits of twine" to tie the tags onto the handmade gifts" or "The old scarecrow was held together with "bits of twine" and straw."

What are some synonyms for "bits of twine"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "pieces of twine", "strands of twine", or "lengths of twine".

Is it more appropriate to say "bits of twine" or "pieces of twine"?

"Pieces of twine" is slightly more formal and generally applicable. "Bits of twine" implies smaller, perhaps leftover, fragments and may lend a more rustic tone.

When would I use "scraps of twine" instead of "bits of twine"?

Use "scraps of twine" when referring to small, discarded, or leftover pieces of twine, emphasizing that they are remnants. "Bits of twine" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply that the twine is waste.