bits of wire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bits of wire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to small pieces or segments of wire, often in contexts related to electronics, crafting, or construction. Example: "The technician found several bits of wire scattered across the workbench, which needed to be cleaned up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I collected old electric motors and bits of wire, old clocks and Mechano sets.

The New York Times - Arts

One said: "We're talking about more than a battery and bits of wire".

The Guardian

They're capable of some pretty good rock songwriting, too, mixing up bits of Wire and the MC5 and Fugazi.

The New York Times

The younger boys share one toy -- a metal car they built out of bits of wire and beer cans.

The New York Times

Two of the earlier pieces, "Inside I" and "Inside II," from 1967, are small but weighty looking ash-gray boxes, one holding nothing more than bits of wire, the other a pair of rough, potato-shaped lumps.

The New York Times - Arts

Plastic water bottles, beads, and bits of wire form attenuated wall-mounted works; other sculptures incorporate pieces of painted wood and felt, recalling the work of Jessica Stockholder and Ree Morton.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The 127-ton airliner broke into so many pieces that bits of wiring can still be found on the ground a year later.

The New York Times

Car bodies hung precariously overhead, with doors open and bits of wiring hanging out.At the General Motors factory, in the suburbs of Sao Paulo, one in six of the 5,000 workers had been sent home after output was cut by a quarter.

The Economist

Then, in the weeks before President Clinton's arrival in Vietnam on Thursday, the soft, acidic earth of Tien Chau began giving up bits of wiring, bolts and plastic, clearly from an aircraft, and finally what forensic experts believe are small amounts of human remains.

The New York Times

Above the roof, on a bit of wire, was a battered star.

The Guardian - Books

"We make the chutes from tape, garbage bags, nylon string and a bit of wire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection of small, disconnected pieces of wire, "bits of wire" is generally appropriate. If the context requires more precision (e.g., in electrical engineering), specify gauge, material, and length.

Common error

Avoid using "bits of wire" in formal documentation where precise measurements or specifications of the wire are required. Opt for terms that provide detailed information like "18-gauge copper wire strands".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bits of wire" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to small, often fragmented or discarded pieces of wire. Ludwig shows many examples where it describes materials used in crafts, repairs, or found as debris.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bits of wire" is a common noun phrase used to describe small, often fragmented pieces of wire. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and scientific domains. While informal, it effectively conveys the idea of small, often discarded wire pieces. When precision is needed, more specific terminology should be used. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its wide acceptance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wire fragments

Focuses on the broken or detached nature of the wire.

wire scraps

Emphasizes the waste or leftover nature of the wire pieces.

small pieces of wire

Highlights the size and fragmented nature of the wire.

wire remnants

Suggests that the wire is a leftover piece of something larger.

wire clippings

Implies the wire has been cut or trimmed from a larger piece.

short lengths of wire

Focuses on the dimension of the wire pieces, emphasizing their shortness.

snippets of wire

Indicates small, discrete pieces of wire.

segments of wire

Emphasizes that the wire is part of a larger whole that has been divided.

fractions of wire

Highlights that the wire pieces are incomplete or partial.

wire shards

Implies the wire is broken and potentially sharp.

FAQs

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

You can use "bits of wire" to describe small, often discarded or leftover pieces of wire. For example, "The artist used "bits of wire" to create a sculpture."

What can I say instead of "bits of wire"?

You can use alternatives like "wire fragments", "wire scraps", or "small pieces of wire" depending on the context.

Is "bits of wire" a formal expression?

No, "bits of wire" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal or technical contexts, more precise terms like "wire segments" or specifications regarding the wire's gauge and material may be more appropriate.

When should I avoid using "bits of wire"?

Avoid using "bits of wire" in contexts requiring precise measurements or detailed specifications of the wire. In technical documentation or instructions, providing exact details is more helpful than using this general term.