chunks of glass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chunks of glass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe pieces or fragments of glass, often in contexts related to safety, construction, or art. Example: "After the accident, there were dangerous chunks of glass scattered across the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I walked out onto the street and saw chunks of glass as far in as the newsstand, chunks of glass the size of my fist," he said.

The New York Times

Windows shattered even on the tall building's lowest floors, hurling chunks of glass toward the street.

The New York Times

They filled it with chunks of glass that slowly melted and fused in the firing.

The New York Times - Arts

Chunks of glass were scattered across the road and the smell of smoke filled the air.

The New York Times

To make the crystals, he faceted big chunks of glass with a tungsten-carbide hammer.

The New York Times

Over 30 prizes — chunks of glass that resemble broken ice — were given out in categories that included acting and cinematography.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It also has a sculpted sweeping chunk of glass commemorating, a Smart Award.

Smart Materials Bulletin

A trail of blood led them to Querrey — his face ghostly white, a large chunk of glass sticking out of his valuable right arm.

The New York Times - Sports

But in sum, these things contribute to the feeling that your phone is something more than an inanimate chunk of glass and aluminum.

The New Yorker

A basic, hosted music app could make them a nice alternative to working out with a weighty chunk of glass in hand.

TechCrunch

Just a huge chunk of glass to show me everything I need to know about my local spot or places I'll be traveling to.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accidents or damage, use "chunks of glass" to vividly illustrate the aftermath and potential danger.

Common error

Avoid using "chunks of glass" metaphorically. The phrase is best used to describe actual pieces of broken glass, not abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chunks of glass" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It specifically describes discernible, relatively large pieces of broken glass. Ludwig AI's analysis shows the expression in various news reports and descriptive scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chunks of glass" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly used to vividly describe broken glass, particularly in contexts like news reporting, arts, and science. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase serves to paint a picture of physical damage, often related to accidents or explosions. While typically neutral in register, it maintains descriptive clarity and is frequently employed by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Remember to use it to describe tangible, broken glass pieces rather than abstract concepts for accurate and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pieces of glass

Replaces "chunks" with a more generic term for fragments. Retains the core meaning but is less specific about the size.

fragments of glass

Similar to "pieces of glass", but implies smaller, sharper shards resulting from shattering.

glass fragments

A more formal synonym for "fragments of glass".

shards of glass

Emphasizes the sharp, jagged nature of the broken glass. Suggests a more violent breaking.

splinters of glass

Indicates very small, needle-like pieces of glass, often more dangerous due to their size.

glass splinters

A more formal synonym for "splinters of glass".

bits of glass

A more casual and general term for small pieces of glass, not necessarily implying a specific shape or origin.

broken glass pieces

Highlights the fact that the glass is broken, which might be relevant in specific situations.

glass debris

Suggests a collection of broken glass amongst other materials after a destructive event.

lumps of glass

Implies a more solid, less fragmented form, but still smaller than a whole object made of glass.

FAQs

How can I use "chunks of glass" in a sentence?

You can use "chunks of glass" to describe the aftermath of an explosion, accident, or any event where glass is broken into large pieces. For example, "After the car crash, there were dangerous chunks of glass scattered across the road."

What's a good alternative to "chunks of glass"?

Depending on the context, you could use "pieces of glass", "fragments of glass", or "shards of glass". Each alternative conveys a slightly different image of the broken glass.

Is it better to say "pieces of glass" or "chunks of glass"?

"Chunks of glass" implies larger, more substantial fragments, while "pieces of glass" is a more general term that can refer to any size of broken glass. The best choice depends on the specific image you want to convey.

What is the difference between "shards of glass" and "chunks of glass"?

Shards of glass typically refers to sharp, often thin, broken pieces of glass. In comparison, "chunks of glass" are larger and less sharp, suggesting a more significant piece of broken material.