crumb

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'crumb' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small piece of something that has been broken or cut off. For example: "I found a few crumbs scattered on the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The one crumb of comfort for Labour is that Jim Murphy, the party's leader in Scotland, will hang on in East Renfrewshire.

The Guardian

The smallest crumb of comfort perhaps, yet even in defeat Dundee United could be rightly proud of both their players and supporters.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a double dose of oats in this comfort cake: in the batter, creating a nutty, tender crumb, and in a buttery crumble on top.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every one of them is a crumb Scattered to find the way home But the fish have eaten them and the clandestini [illegal immigrants] Lost in the sea without return Wander like Tom Thumbs Sown in the water all around Magazine ViMagazino Poet Dimítris Dimitriádis The Buried Cradle The crisis is not the same in Greece as in other countries.

The Guardian

The only crumb of comfort is that the private banks are flush with dollars deposited by Argentines.There is plenty that Mr Batlle could do to avoid following Argentina into debt default.

The Economist

Lenders may look to strengthen ties with their more stolid customers (manufacturers, utility companies and so on) at the expense of retailers, property developers and private-equity firms.One crumb of comfort for euro-zone firms is that the currency has plunged against the dollar.

The Economist

And then this crumb to those of us hoping for news:The question now is whether we will have the courage and the political will to pass a bill through Congress, to finally get it done.

The Economist

Even at the recently improved rate of 7.8%, Mr Obama faces the worst rate of any incumbent for more than 50 years.In this section Throwing votes away Follow the data A little help from the invisible hand The excluded middle Heard on the trail The swing states: Wisconsin Hope and change, four years on ReprintsBut Mr Obama can take a crumb of comfort, too.

The Economist

The crumb of comfort is that countries can mitigate the hurt, and that one, South Korea, has shown the worst can be avoided.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Half an hour later, over a coffee in the little town of Chiltern, I read in the bakery's crumb-filled Border-Mail that the Liberal party of Victoria declared: "McGowan's clan won't teach us much".

The Guardian

When Josh Crumb and his colleague started out, they just wanted to figure out a way to allow people to pay for a cup of coffee with gold.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crumb" metaphorically to represent a small amount of something intangible, like "a crumb of comfort".

Common error

Avoid using "crumbs" when you mean "crumble". "Crumbs" are small fragments, while "crumble" refers to a baked dish with a crumbly topping. For instance, "apple crumble", not "apple crumbs".

Linguistic Context

The word "crumb" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a small fragment or particle, often of food. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It can also be used metaphorically to represent a tiny amount of something intangible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "crumb" is a common and grammatically sound noun used to describe a small fragment or particle, most often associated with food. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias, denoting both tangible fragments and metaphorical small amounts. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate "crumbs" from "crumble", a distinct culinary term. The phrase's neutral register and frequent appearance in reputable sources affirm its appropriateness in various writing styles, making it a reliable choice for both descriptive and figurative language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragment

Refers to a small part broken or separated off something.

morsel

Suggests a small bite or piece, often of food.

sliver

Indicates a thin, narrow piece that has been cut or split off.

iota

Implies an extremely small amount, often used figuratively.

speck

Denotes a tiny spot or particle.

shred

Suggests a small piece torn or cut from something.

particle

Refers to a minute portion or piece of matter.

grain

A small, hard seed or particle, often used for granular substances.

trace

Indicates a very small quantity or indication of something.

bit

Refers to a small piece or quantity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "crumb" in a sentence?

You can use "crumb" to refer to a small piece of something, such as "There was a "crumb of cake" on the table" or metaphorically, like "a "crumb of comfort" in a difficult situation".

What can I say instead of "crumb"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fragment", "morsel", or "iota" if you're referring to a tiny amount.

Is it correct to say "a crumb of hope"?

Yes, it is correct. "A "crumb of hope"" is a common idiom that means a small amount of hope in a discouraging situation.

What is the difference between "crumbs" and "crumble"?

"Crumbs" are small broken pieces, often from food, whereas "crumble" is a dessert with a crumbly topping. For example, you might find "crumbs" on the floor, but you would eat an "apple crumble".