morsel of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "morsel of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small piece or portion of bread, often in a context discussing food or sharing. Example: "After the long hike, all I wanted was a simple morsel of bread to satisfy my hunger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She broke off a morsel of bread and dipped it into the saucer of olive oil.

The New Yorker

Rich people here say they have only a morsel of bread; whereas Haitians all believe they own a bakery.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone complained, above all, about the food: French dishes "stewed in grease" and breakfasts consisting of nothing more "than a thimbleful of coffee or chocolate and a morsel of bread".

The New Yorker

Whether you choose to visit the Papillon caves, those of Société or another brand, you will surely hear the story of a smitten shepherd who, according to local legend, left a morsel of bread and piece of plain sheep's cheese in a cave while he went off in search of a lady.

BBC

Kirby says he wants to change the world with breatharianism, maintaining he usually only eats his daily communion -- a small morsel of bread and red wine.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ethel Kennedy broke off a morsel of blessed bread, and Chavez finally ate.

The New Yorker

"Yet all the cool wines and flowery rooms, with as many fans and soft dews as June and July can imagine, are not worth a morsel of the bread and oil eaten around the fire in December and January as one gulps down a cup or two of new wine and, while the spit turns, tears off a piece of roast pork without worrying about one's thieving mouth and fingers being cooked themselves".

The Guardian

Small, round morsels of hot cheesy bread, sweet pastries, croquettes and other salty pastries are available on the beach.

BBC

Dried scraps of bread.

The New Yorker

A piece of bread.

The New Yorker

Consumer perception of bread quality, organic vs conventional bread.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "morsel of bread" to evoke a sense of scarcity, simplicity, or small comfort, especially in descriptive writing or when emphasizing the smallness of the portion.

Common error

Avoid using "morsel of bread" in technical or formal contexts where a more neutral term like "piece of bread" or "portion of bread" would be more appropriate. Reserve "morsel" for descriptive or literary uses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "morsel of bread" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a countable noun specifying a small portion of bread. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "morsel of bread" is grammatically correct and functions as a noun phrase denoting a small piece of bread. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "piece of bread", it carries a descriptive weight, often used to emphasize the smallness of the portion or evoke feelings of scarcity or simple sustenance. Its usage leans towards neutral, descriptive, and literary contexts, primarily appearing in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

piece of bread

A general term for a portion of bread, similar in meaning but less evocative than "morsel".

bit of bread

Refers to a small, indefinite amount of bread, like "piece of bread" but slightly less specific.

small piece of bread

Emphasizes the size of the bread portion, making it more explicit.

crust of bread

Specifically refers to the outer part of the bread, often implying a harder texture.

slice of bread

Implies a cut portion from a loaf, more specific than "morsel".

scrap of bread

Suggests a leftover or discarded piece of bread, often of minimal value.

sliver of bread

Indicates a very thin, narrow piece of bread.

mouthful of bread

Refers to an amount of bread that can be consumed in one bite.

crumb of bread

Indicates a very small, often fragmented piece of bread.

portion of bread

A more formal or measured way of referring to an amount of bread.

FAQs

What does "morsel of bread" mean?

A "morsel of bread" refers to a small piece or portion of bread, often implying a minimal amount or a small comfort.

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

You can use alternatives like "piece of bread", "bit of bread", or "small piece of bread" depending on the context.

Is "morsel of bread" a common expression?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "morsel of bread" is not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "piece of bread" or "slice of bread".

When is it appropriate to use "morsel of bread"?

It's appropriate to use "morsel of bread" when you want to emphasize the smallness of the portion or add a descriptive, sometimes evocative, touch to your writing. It is often used in literary or descriptive contexts.