it is a piece of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a piece of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something as a specific type or category of item, often implying a certain quality or characteristic. Example: "This sculpture is not just any artwork; it is a piece of modern art that challenges traditional boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

At its core it is a piece of speech recognition software that can send messages via IR to the robot.

TechCrunch

Though it is the subject of much ridicule, it is a piece of art in its own right.

Los Angeles Times

It is a piece of dinosaur skin (or, rather, its petrified transmutation).

The Economist

"It is a piece of technical mastery".

The New York Times - Arts

It is a piece of historical scholarship.

Harvard University

It is a piece of Britain's history.

The Guardian - Arts

It is a piece of technology.

MIT Technology Review

It is a piece of magic".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I am not even sure that it is a piece of theatre.

The Guardian

Lawson, a political hero of Osborne, told the Guardian: "It is a piece of propaganda and scaremongering.

The Guardian

It is a piece of cloth.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is a piece of" to emphasize the importance or uniqueness of an item within a larger context. For example, "This manuscript isn't just any document; it is a piece of literary history."

Common error

Avoid using "it is a piece of" in contexts where a more specific descriptor would be more informative. Saying "it is a piece of writing" is less effective than specifying "it is an essay" or "it is a short story".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a piece of" functions as a descriptor, categorizing something as belonging to a specific type or being a component of a larger entity. Ludwig confirms its common and acceptable use. This is evident in examples such as "It is a piece of Britain's history" or "It is a piece of technology."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a piece of" serves as a versatile descriptor, often used to categorize or identify something as part of a larger whole or within a specific context. With Ludwig AI confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage, this phrase is a reliable choice for diverse writing scenarios. While it is prevalent in news, media, and academic settings, considering more precise alternatives can enhance clarity in formal or technical writing. Remember to avoid overuse in vague descriptions to maintain writing effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is a component in

Simplified version, using 'component' to denote a part of a system or structure.

it is a portion of

Emphasizes that the thing is a fraction or share of a larger quantity.

it forms a component of

Uses 'forms' and 'component' to emphasize the integral nature of the thing being described.

it comprises a segment of

Implies that the thing is one part of several that make up a whole.

it constitutes an element of

Replaces 'piece' with 'element' and uses 'constitutes' for a more formal tone.

it represents an instance of

Focuses on the thing being a single occurrence or example of a broader category.

it serves as a sample of

Indicates that the thing exemplifies a broader group, often for representative purposes.

it embodies an aspect of

Highlights that the thing encapsulates one facet of something more abstract or complex.

it functions as a unit of

Highlights that the thing serves a specific purpose as part of a larger operation.

it signifies a fragment of

Suggests the thing is a small, often incomplete, portion of something bigger.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a piece of" in a sentence?

Use "it is a piece of" to describe something as a part of something larger, or to emphasize the nature of a specific item. For example, "This artifact "it is a piece of" history" or "The software "it is a piece of" technology".

What are some alternatives to "it is a piece of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is a part of", "it is an example of", or "it is a component of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is a piece of" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is a piece of" is acceptable in formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated phrase might be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "it is a piece of" and "it is part of"?

"It is a piece of" emphasizes that something is a distinct item or instance within a larger whole, while "it is part of" simply indicates that something is included within something else. The former often carries a connotation of significance or uniqueness.