piece of cheese

USAGE SUMMARY

"piece of cheese" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single or specific portion of cheese. It can also be used in a figurative sense to describe something small or insignificant. Example: She took a piece of cheese from the platter and placed it on her cracker. Example: He couldn't find a piece of cheese in the maze of paperwork on his desk. Example: The film was just a small piece of cheese compared to the other blockbuster releases of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

When he wants a piece of cheese, he'd better get a piece of cheese.

The New York Times

"Now I'm a different piece of cheese, that's all," she said.

The New York Times

This is the story of a hundred-and-seventeen-year-old piece of cheese.

The New Yorker

Will they eat a piece of cheese or will they talk?" she hisses.

The New Yorker

"We're going to cut your piece of cheese and slice your prosciutto.

The New York Times

Serve alone or with other foods — a piece of cheese, even.

The New York Times - Food

e) Three blind mice searching for a piece of cheese labeled "W.M.D". 7.

The New York Times

Try this piece of cheese.' People can still taste anything they want in the store.

The New York Times - Food

Make a slit in each and insert a piece of cheese.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I figured that if you steal a piece of cheese someone is going to stop you.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

TABLE SERVICE -- Piece-of-Cheese grater, $17.98, from Zabar's, 2245 Broadway (80th Street).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about food pairings, consider using "piece of cheese" to specify a single serving, contrasting it with a larger quantity or variety.

Common error

Avoid stretching the metaphor of "piece of cheese" too far. While it can represent something small and desirable, overuse can diminish its impact and create weak comparisons. Be careful in abstract uses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piece of cheese" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it commonly refers to a single, discrete portion of cheese. Examples show it used both literally (eating cheese) and figuratively (representing something desirable).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piece of cheese" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase, primarily used to denote a portion of cheese, as affirmed by Ludwig. It also functions metaphorically to represent something small yet desirable. Its usage spans diverse contexts, being especially frequent in News & Media. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into both casual and professional communication. To avoid potential errors, it's crucial to maintain the singular form when referring to an uncountable noun and exercise caution when using it metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wedge of cheese

Refers to a specific cut and shape of cheese, implying a segment from a larger wheel or block.

slice of cheese

Indicates a thin, flat cut of cheese, often used for sandwiches or snacks.

chunk of cheese

Describes an irregularly shaped, medium-sized portion of cheese.

block of cheese

Refers to a larger, usually rectangular, mass of cheese.

morsel of cheese

Suggests a very small, bite-sized amount of cheese.

grating of cheese

It refers to finely grated cheese.

shred of cheese

Indicates cheese that has been shredded, often used as a topping.

cube of cheese

Signifies a small, uniformly shaped piece of cheese, often served as an appetizer.

sliver of cheese

Implies a thin, elongated piece of cheese.

grated cheese

Indicates cheese that has been grated, implying it's ready to be used as a topping.

FAQs

How can I use "piece of cheese" in a sentence?

You can use "piece of cheese" to refer to a specific portion of cheese, as in "She offered him a "piece of cheese" with his wine." It can also be used metaphorically to represent something small but desirable.

What phrases can I use instead of "piece of cheese"?

Alternatives include "wedge of cheese", "slice of cheese", or "chunk of cheese", depending on the shape and size of the cheese portion.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a piece of cheeses"?

No, the correct phrase is "a piece of cheese". "Cheese" is generally treated as an uncountable noun, so you wouldn't pluralize it in this context. However, you could say "pieces of cheese" to refer to multiple portions.

When is it appropriate to use "piece of cheese" metaphorically?

Using "piece of cheese" metaphorically is appropriate when you want to describe something small, perhaps insignificant, but still desirable or sought after. The usage should maintain a clear connection to the literal meaning for the metaphor to be effective.