handful of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handful of paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small quantity of paper, often implying that it can be held in one hand. Example: "She took a handful of paper from the stack to jot down her notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We're seated, now: both with coffee; he with a handful of paper napkins.

The Guardian - Books

They then scattered a handful of paper dots into the tank and observed them migrating along the surface, to the tank's center.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The life savings of members of the nascent middle class were reduced to a handful of paper, worth about fifteen dollars on the market.

The New Yorker

The Chinese paper company Nine Dragons has acquired a handful of paper mills in Maine, Wisconsin and West Virginia and increased brown pulp and paper production.

The New York Times

Lu, who to his knowledge is currently one of only a handful of paper sliceform artists, also plans to continue creating and exhibiting his artwork in his spare time.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I dropped a handful of paper towels in the toilet; I'm sorry about it," Dorothy Mitchell said, opening her door to a handyman she has known for 25 years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

When one MP, Cristiana Anghel, came to talk the shepherds waving a handful of papers, they were pulled out of her hand and torn apart by one of the shepherds.

Vice

To their astonishment, they found only a handful of papers.

The New York Times

He was sprawled in his chair and was holding a handful of papers.

The New York Times

A handful of papers have folded or stopped publishing, becoming much smaller online operations.

The New York Times

The Pulitzers, administered by Columbia University's School of Journalism, have been increasingly dominated by a handful of papers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "handful of paper" to describe a small, easily managed amount of paper. This phrase is ideal when the exact number of sheets is not important, but the limited quantity is.

Common error

Avoid using "handful of paper" when referring to a very large stack or ream of paper. This phrase implies a small quantity, so choose a more appropriate term like "stack", "pile" or "supply" when describing larger amounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handful of paper" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing a tangible amount of paper used for various purposes, from wiping spills to writing notes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "handful of paper" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small quantity of paper. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the quantity accurately reflects a manageable amount, typically what one could hold in their hand. While alternatives like "few sheets of paper" or "small stack of paper" can be used, "handful of paper" provides a vivid and easily understood image. Keep in mind Ludwig's writing guidance to refine your use!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of paper

Replaces "handful" with a more general term for quantity.

few sheets of paper

Specifies the form of paper as "sheets" and uses "few" to indicate small quantity.

some pieces of paper

Uses "pieces" to describe paper and "some" to indicate quantity.

small stack of paper

Emphasizes the arrangement of paper in a "stack".

limited quantity of paper

Formal alternative emphasizing the restricted amount.

small pile of paper

Similar to stack, but suggests a less organized arrangement.

group of paper sheets

Replaces "handful" with a generic term of "group".

selection of paper

Suggests that the paper is being deliberately chosen or curated.

collection of paper

Implies gathering of multiple pieces of paper for a specific purpose.

assortment of paper

Highlights the variety of papers.

FAQs

How can I use "handful of paper" in a sentence?

You can use "handful of paper" to describe a small quantity of paper held in one's hand. For example: "She grabbed a handful of paper to wipe the spill."

What can I say instead of "handful of paper"?

You can use alternatives like "few sheets of paper", "small stack of paper", or "some pieces of paper" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "handful of papers" instead of "handful of paper"?

While "handful of papers" is grammatically correct and refers to multiple documents, "handful of paper" typically refers to a small amount of paper as a material, making it subtly different.

What's the difference between "handful of paper" and "bunch of paper"?

"Handful of paper" suggests a quantity you can hold in your hand, whereas "bunch of paper" implies a more loosely gathered, perhaps larger, quantity.