odds and ends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odds and ends" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is an idiom meaning small pieces of things that are left over or remain to be done. For example: "I still have a few odds and ends to take care of before the move is complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finally, some odds and ends.

The New York Times

FRIDAY 4-4 40 p.m. Finish up odds and ends.

The New York Times

Before I was doing odds and ends, like babysitting.

The New Yorker

None of these odds and ends is intrinsically uninteresting.

The New York Times - Books

Levine takes some odds and ends along to sell.

The New Yorker

Changes that have taken place, odds and ends of information.

The New Yorker

Thereafter, the standard declines sharply into Surrealist odds and ends.

The New York Times - Arts

A few odds and ends of equipment will be needed.

The New York Times

Other odds and ends bring the number balloons to £78.8bn.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Others find meal prepping, and odds-and-ends recipes like stews and smoothies, to be helpful.

The Washington Post

(It also turned up a year later on an odds-and-ends Reprise album, "Sinatra '65").

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odds and ends" when referring to a collection of small, unimportant, or leftover items. It's best used in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "odds and ends" in formal business or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "miscellaneous items" or "various components" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odds and ends" functions primarily as a noun, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a collection of miscellaneous items or remnants. The phrase, deemed correct by Ludwig, commonly appears to describe a variety of unrelated small objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "odds and ends" is a common noun phrase used to describe a collection of miscellaneous items. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. While its usage is frequent across various sources, as identified by Ludwig, it is most prevalent in news and media. For formal or business writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "miscellaneous items". The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application in everyday language, showcasing its role in conveying a sense of varied, often unimportant, objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bits and pieces

Focuses on the fragmented nature of the items.

Sundry items

Emphasizes the varied and miscellaneous nature.

Leftover items

Highlights that the items are remaining or unused.

Miscellaneous tasks

Shifts the focus to remaining tasks rather than physical items.

Various remnants

Highlights the leftover and varied quality of the items.

Assorted fragments

Implies smaller, broken pieces of various origins.

Collection of scraps

Suggests discarded or valueless items collected together.

Remaining bits

Highlights that only smaller portions remain.

Small items

Describes the items simply by their size.

Random assortment

Emphasizes the lack of order or specific category.

FAQs

How can I use "odds and ends" in a sentence?

You can use "odds and ends" to describe a collection of miscellaneous items. For example, "The drawer was filled with "odds and ends" like buttons, string, and old keys."

What's a more formal way to say "odds and ends"?

In a more formal setting, you could use phrases such as "miscellaneous items", "various components", or "sundry articles" instead of "odds and ends".

Is it correct to say "odd and end" instead of "odds and ends"?

No, the correct phrase is "odds and ends", with both words in the plural form. "Odd and end" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "odds and ends" and "bits and pieces"?

"Odds and ends" generally refers to a collection of small, miscellaneous items, while "bits and pieces" can refer to both physical fragments and intangible things like information or tasks.