paper jam

USAGE SUMMARY

"paper jam" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a piece of paper has become stuck or jammed in a printer or other machine. For example: "I'm having difficulty printing because there is a paper jam in the printer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Paper jam / paper jam," he sings.

The New Yorker

Even rock stars have trouble with those mysterious "Clear Paper Jam" commands emanating from the printer.

The New York Times

Gutenberg invented his printing press around 1440; the modern paper jam was invented around 1960.

The New Yorker

One-touch copying (and its evil twin, the paper jam) was born.

The New Yorker

As the owner of a typically unreliable printer, the words "paper jam" usually fill be with horror and frustration – but not this time!

The Guardian - Tech

Take care not to force anything when clearing a paper jam, but at the same time ensure there are no torn scraps left behind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Paper jams!" he said.

The New Yorker

There are jams worse than paper jams.

The New Yorker

Paper jams are a species within a larger genus.

The New Yorker

Officials have also expressed concern about paper jams.

The New York Times

But he loves paper jams too much to move on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues with printers or copiers, use "paper jam" to clearly communicate the problem. Ensure you accurately describe the location of the jam when providing instructions for resolving it.

Common error

Avoid assuming every printer issue is a "paper jam". Check for other potential problems like low ink, connectivity issues, or driver errors before attempting to clear a nonexistent jam.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paper jam" functions as a noun, specifically describing a malfunction in a printer or similar device where paper becomes stuck. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "paper jam" is a common noun phrase describing a printer malfunction where paper gets stuck. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable. It's frequently used in news, media and wiki contexts, signaling a neutral register appropriate for both technical and casual discussions. To avoid miscommunication, make sure you properly identify the underlying cause of the malfunction. Alternative expressions include "printer malfunction" or "paper obstruction", though they may lack the specificity of the original phrase. To address concerns regarding potential usage questions, this guide clarifies its meaning, prevention and remediation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuck paper

Describes the state of the paper being immobile within the device.

paper feed problem

Highlights an issue within the paper feeding system.

paper obstruction

Highlights the physical blockage caused by the paper.

document blockage

Focuses on the blockage preventing document printing or copying.

printer malfunction

Focuses on the general problem, not specifically the paper.

misfeed

A shorter, more technical term for incorrect paper feeding.

feed error

Emphasizes the problem with the paper feeding mechanism.

printer error

A broader term for any issue with the printer including paper related problems.

printing error

A generic error that includes paper jams.

copying error

More suitable to photocopiers, including paper jams.

FAQs

How do I describe fixing a "paper jam"?

You can say you're "clearing a paper jam", "removing the jammed paper", or "resolving the paper jam" depending on the context.

What are common causes of a "paper jam"?

Common causes include using the wrong type of paper, overloading the paper tray, or having damaged or wrinkled paper.

Is there a difference between a "paper jam" and a printer error?

A "paper jam" is a specific type of "printer error" where paper is physically stuck. A printer error can refer to various issues, including connectivity problems or low ink.

What can I do to prevent a "paper jam"?

Ensure you use the correct type and size of paper for your printer, avoid overfilling the paper tray, and regularly clean your printer's rollers.