piece

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "piece" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a portion, component, or element of something, such as an item of clothing, a snack, a written work, or a set of instructions. For example, "I'm missing a piece of the puzzle and need to find it before I can finish assembling it".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the court were to rule the law unconstitutional when it issues its decision in June, it could prove a significant blow to Obama's re-election campaign by striking down his most important piece of legislation and bolstering conservative opposition.

The Guardian

It made an arthouse star of Soderbergh and a heavyweight of his backer, Harvey Weinstein, whose studio, Miramax, would come to define quality American cinema over much of the next decade and, perhaps, help to destroy it too (read Indiewire's excellent piece on sex, lies for more on its legacy).

The Guardian - Film

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

Boogie Woogie Ensemble piece, set in the art world.

The Guardian - Film

A prophet's saying states: "Travel is a piece of torture".

The Guardian

It was a stupendous piece of skill, but it only earned him par for the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

1pm: lunch at Jackson's Emporium We stop off at Jackson's Emporium in the town of Hamilton for lunch – a place that features a giant, ornate piece of folding scenery from the Christmas window display of Myer in the 1970s.

The Guardian - Travel

Someone providing their opinion is not, strictly speaking, consenting to their personal data being published under this particular piece of law.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Newman penned his latest piece for The Australian on how climate change science is a conspiracy, he claimed the United Nations was "opposed to capitalism and freedom" and how climate action was a campaign for "authoritarians".

The Guardian

Also, as this excellent Atlantic piece points out, there's a slightly uneasy "white saviour" theme throughout, best exemplified by a genuinely ghastly scene where the family tell the slaves that they're letting them go, everybody starts hugging and, quick as a flash, one of the freed women starts singing Amazing Grace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A lightweight set of nylon rungs is then clipped with a carabiner and the climber will move high enough up the rungs to place another piece.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a work of art or music, use "piece" to indicate a complete composition or creation. For example, "She played a beautiful piece on the piano".

Common error

Avoid confusing "piece", which refers to a part of something, with "peace", which refers to a state of tranquility. Ensure correct spelling to maintain clarity in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "piece" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a part of something or an item. Ludwig AI's examples show its use across various contexts, such as "a piece of legislation" or "a piece of art".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "piece" is a versatile noun used to describe a part or portion of something, as well as individual items. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it's very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "piece", be mindful to avoid confusion with "peace" and consider related alternatives like "segment" or "portion" for nuanced expression. Remember, "piece" can refer to both concrete objects and abstract concepts, making it a valuable term in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

segment

Refers to a distinct part or section of something, similar to "piece" but often implying a more structured division.

portion

Indicates a share or amount of something, akin to "piece" but often used for food or resources.

fragment

Suggests a broken or incomplete part, similar to "piece" but emphasizing incompleteness.

component

Implies a part that contributes to a larger whole, similar to "piece" but focusing on functionality.

element

Highlights a basic or essential part, akin to "piece" but stressing fundamental importance.

section

Denotes a clearly defined part of something, like "piece" but suggesting a planned division.

share

Refers to a portion allocated or owned by someone, akin to "piece" but involving distribution.

morsel

Indicates a small amount or bite, similar to "piece" but emphasizing smallness.

scrap

Suggests a leftover or discarded "piece", akin to "piece" but highlighting waste or insignificance.

extract

Refers to a selected portion taken from a larger work, like "piece" but emphasizing selection and removal.

FAQs

How can I use "piece" in a sentence?

You can use "piece" to refer to a portion of something, like "a piece of cake", or an item in a set, such as "a chess piece".

What's the difference between "piece" and "part"?

"Piece" often suggests a detachable or separable element, while "part" can refer to an integral component. You might say, "a piece of the puzzle" or "a part of the machine", depending on whether it can be easily separated.

What can I say instead of "a piece of advice"?

You can use alternatives like "a word of advice" or "some advice", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a piece of information"?

Yes, it's correct. However, it's more common to say "some information", especially in formal writing.