lump of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lump of bread" can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a large, leathery piece of bread or a single piece of bread that is notably bigger than usual. For example, "He just bought a big, lump of bread from the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It looked awful, "like a lump of bread," Mr. Silvestri recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

An appetizer to skip is the clams oreganata, a mushy lump of bread crumbs studded with chewy bits of clam.

The New York Times

A lump of bread that can be cut in half and filled with food in order to create a sort of tasty bulky sandwich.

Independent

Selling goods at low "cost" is not difficult for China, considering how much of its manufacture is turned out by labor that "costs" only a lump of bread and a bowl of thin gruel a day.

The New York Times

I have eaten fried chicken though, particularly in that hen heaven Berlin, where your deep-fried clucker comes with potato salad and a lump of bread that looks like a sun-damaged elbow, or atop a steering-wheel sized pile of rice and chickpeas with pickles served out of a goldfish bowl.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ahmed was kneading an enormous lump of dough for desert bread, which he baked in a recess of sand beneath the fire.

The New York Times - Travel

Where I'm from, we always used to first foot: a tall dark stranger (ie your dad) would "arrive" (ie be shoved out) at the door at the stroke of midnight, bearing a lump of coal and a hunk of bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And if you rummage in the bottom of your bread bin, you'll probably find an unloved lump of stale bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Years ago, Ms. La Marca's grandmother would "pull a roughly shaped lump of homemade bread out of the oven, split it open and drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper flakes and whatever cheese she had around," she recalled.

The New York Times

The battles between Protestant and Roman Catholic are alluded to in these three selections, but the characters seem to experience it all from a distance, or as part of a past that sits in the midst of their day-to-day experience like a lump of dry bread in the throat, impossible to digest or ignore.

The New York Times - Books

One person was carrying mittens, another a bread roll, another a lump of sugar". Any educated Russian reading these lines today would at once imagine that they were written by Platonov.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. "Lump of bread" can sometimes imply the bread is stale or of poor quality. If you intend a more positive image, consider alternatives like "slice of bread" or "loaf of bread".

Common error

The term "lump of bread" can sound informal or even negative. In professional writing or formal settings, use more neutral terms like "portion of bread" or "slice of bread".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lump of bread" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific quantity and form of bread. Ludwig's examples shows how it's used to describe bread portions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lump of bread" refers to an irregularly shaped piece of bread, often implying a lack of refinement or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, although its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as wiki-style articles, fitting a neutral to informal register. When writing, consider whether "lump of bread" accurately conveys your intended meaning or if a more precise term like "slice of bread" or "portion of bread" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the subtle connotations it may carry, especially in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piece of bread

Refers to a portion of bread, similar to a lump, but generally implies a smaller, more regular cut.

loaf of bread

Indicates a whole, baked unit of bread, as opposed to a smaller, less defined "lump".

hunk of bread

Implies a roughly cut, large piece of bread, similar in concept to a "lump", but with a slightly more positive connotation.

slice of bread

Refers to a thin, flat piece of bread, which contrasts with the irregular, bulky nature of a "lump".

bread roll

Suggests a small, individual serving of bread, distinct from a larger, shapeless mass.

piece of dough

Refers to uncooked bread, it is similar because it's also a portion of bread.

portion of bread

Suggests a measured or allocated amount of bread, which is more formal and precise than a "lump".

bread scrap

Implies a small, leftover piece of bread, distinct from a more substantial "lump".

bread crust

Refers specifically to the outer layer of bread, rather than the whole mass.

bread crumb

Indicates a very small fragment of bread, in contrast to the larger size implied by a "lump".

FAQs

What does "lump of bread" mean?

A "lump of bread" typically refers to a large, misshapen, or roughly cut piece of bread. The term can sometimes imply that the bread is stale or of poor quality.

What can I say instead of "lump of bread"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "piece of bread", "loaf of bread", or "hunk of bread".

Is "lump of bread" a positive or negative description?

The term "lump of bread" can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the bread is of poor quality or irregularly shaped. It is generally less positive than "slice of bread" or "portion of bread".

How to use "lump of bread" in a sentence?

You might say, "He offered me a dry, unappetizing "lump of bread"" to convey the bread's undesirable qualities.