paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "paper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it generally to refer to thin sheets of material, such as writing paper, newspaper, wallpaper and so on. For example: "I bought some new paper to draw on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Sport

Travel

Money

Opinion

Film

TV & Radio

Children's Books

Society

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Last year, during David Cameron's trip to Beijing, the same paper announced that Britain was "just an old European country apt [that is, suitable] for travel and study".

The Guardian - Opinion

My cheek nestled against the scratch of paper.

The Guardian - Books

"My contention is if the digital revolution was going to kill papers, it would have already done so, but I think the world is coming to understand the incredible duty that a paper performs in its society.

The Guardian

And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.

The Guardian

There was no white paper or consultative document, let alone a debate in parliament.

The Guardian

#EmergingUS will exist primarily on the web, but some of the work will eventually appear in the printed version of the paper.

The Guardian

I studied these drawings at the closest possible range – my eyes a few centimetres from the paper surface.

The Guardian - Arts

The initiative will enable their publisher, the CN Group, to piggyback on national morning paper distribution, so most of the company's 29 van drivers are likely to be made redundant.

The Guardian

The Guardian published the story after the Daily Telegraph refused to for fear of offending its readers, even after the paper had paid a substantial sum to secure the exclusive rights.

The Guardian - Books

While he was well enough the couple went sailing together, and when he was too weak for that he painted obsessively, on cardboard and brown parcel paper, an old bait box, and pieces of china.

The Guardian - Arts

The Kennedy aura remains a factor in US politics, even when there is no Kennedy on the ballot paper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to academic research, specify the type of "paper" (e.g., "research paper", "conference paper") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "paper" when referring to multiple documents or a collection of academic works. Use "papers" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "paper" is as a noun, referring to a material used for writing or printing. It can also function as a noun denoting a document, such as a research "paper". Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Money

7%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "paper" is a versatile noun with a wide range of applications, from physical writing material to formal documents and academic publications. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and broadly accepted. It frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media, Lifestyle, and the Arts. When using "paper", consider the specific context to ensure clarity and precision. While "paper" is generally neutral, academic or professional settings may require a more formal tone. When referring to academic research it's best to specify which type of "paper" it is (e.g., "research paper", "conference paper") for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

newspaper

Implies a periodical publication printed on "paper" containing news and articles.

white paper

A government or other authoritative report on a topic, presented in "paper" format.

newsprint

Refers specifically to the type of "paper" used for printing newspapers.

report

Signifies a formal account of an event or investigation written on "paper".

document

Emphasizes the official or formal nature of the "paper".

article

Highlights the content of the "paper", particularly in journalistic or academic contexts.

thesis

Denotes a long essay or dissertation involving personal research, written on "paper".

manuscript

Suggests an original, often handwritten, version of a "paper".

composition

Highlights a written piece of work, especially a school essay written on "paper".

publication

Focuses on the act of making a "paper" available to the public.

FAQs

How can I use "paper" in a sentence?

You can use "paper" in various contexts. For instance, "I need a piece of "piece of paper" to write on," or "The professor asked us to submit a "submit a paper" on the topic.

What are some synonyms for "paper"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "document", "article", or "report" instead of "paper".

Is it correct to say "a paper about" or "a paper on" a topic?

Both "a paper about" and "a paper on" are grammatically correct. However, "a paper on" is generally more common and considered more formal in academic writing.

What's the difference between a "paper" and a "white paper"?

A "paper" is a general term for a written document, while a "white paper" refers specifically to an authoritative report or guide that addresses a particular problem and proposes a solution.