hunk of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunk of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large piece or chunk of bread, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "He took a hunk of bread and dipped it into the olive oil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A hunk of bread and a glass of amber liquid complete the still life.

The Guardian - Arts

"I do," he replied, ripping a hunk of bread from a loaf and spreading butter on it.

The New Yorker

A bowlful of deep, savoury stock without a hunk of bread is only half a meal, to my mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You tear off a hunk of bread, use it to scoop up some curry and shovel it into your mouth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plain rice or a hunk of bread are what you need with this dish that's big on flavour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sausage had been roasted over the coals for so long that it was like leather, stuffed into a hunk of bread with a piece of onion.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

These drippings are the rightful destiny of the hunks of bread in an adjacent basket.

The New York Times - Travel

Bernd, the guard, proceeds to pull hunks of bread from the sack and juggle them.

The New York Times - Books

Earlier, the French had simply scooped up their food onto hunks of bread called tranchoirs.

The New York Times - Travel

Even the creamy house-made ricotta was emboldened by hunks of bread, darkly toasted by the flames.

The New York Times - Travel

A two-pound terra-cotta pot of yogurt was set in front of us, along with hunks of bread and slices of tomato picked from a patch nearby.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing recipes, describe the bread in terms of texture and crust, such as "a crusty hunk of sourdough bread" for better imagery.

Common error

Avoid using "hunk of bread" in formal or professional writing where precision and clarity are paramount. Opt for more neutral terms like "slice of bread" or "piece of bread" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunk of bread" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a direct object, subject complement, or object of a preposition, referring to a substantial piece of bread. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to describe bread that is often torn or cut informally.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

33%

Travel

13%

Less common in

Food

7%

Wiki

4%

Money

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunk of bread" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes a large, often irregularly shaped piece of bread. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and travel writing. While versatile, it's best suited for informal settings. Related phrases like "piece of bread" or "chunk of bread" can be substituted depending on the context and desired level of formality. Remember to consider the intended tone and audience when choosing between "hunk of bread" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chunk of bread

Replaces "hunk" with "chunk", suggesting a similar but potentially more roughly cut piece.

piece of bread

A more general term, replacing "hunk" with the more neutral "piece".

slab of bread

Substitutes "hunk" with "slab", indicating a thick, flat piece.

wedge of bread

Replaces "hunk" with "wedge", implying a triangular piece cut from a larger loaf.

portion of bread

A more formal alternative, using "portion" to denote a serving size.

lump of bread

Employs "lump" instead of "hunk", suggesting a shapeless piece.

section of bread

A slightly more descriptive term indicating a part of the whole loaf.

segment of bread

Using "segment" implies a distinct part, often with defined edges.

mass of bread

Substituting "hunk" with "mass" to convey a large, undefined amount of bread.

quarter of bread

Describes a specific fraction of a loaf, providing a sense of scale.

FAQs

How can I use "hunk of bread" in a sentence?

You can use "hunk of bread" to describe a large, irregularly shaped piece of bread, as in, "He tore off a "hunk of bread" and dipped it in the stew."

What is a good alternative to "hunk of bread"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "piece of bread", "slice of bread", or "chunk of bread".

Is "hunk of bread" a formal term?

No, "hunk of bread" is generally considered an informal term. In more formal contexts, it's better to use "piece of bread" or "portion of bread".

What does "scarpetta" mean in the context of Italian cuisine?

As mentioned by The New York Times, "scarpetta" refers to a "hunk of bread" used to mop up sauce, highlighting its role in enjoying every last bit of a dish.