piece of language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "piece of language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific segment or element of language, such as a word, phrase, or expression. Example: "The phrase 'break the ice' is a common piece of language used to describe initiating conversation in a social setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

That piece of language, that aspiration, is innovation.

Harvard Business Review

Yet it represents not a thought but the word, a piece of language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For those who monitor human rights, a key piece of language is Article 51 of the first additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions.

The Economist

"That's a little piece of language with a big impact on foreign aid," said Gordon Adams, a White House budget official in the Clinton administration.

The New York Times

Mr. Kuhlman, in turn, brought his pencil to the same point, to the piece of language that formed their human bond.

The New York Times

This seems to be a potentially interesting piece of language to consider in light of memory, in this case of classicism, being a platform for something newfangled.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Over the next six weeks, three writers will each try to learn a language using a piece of language-learning technology.

The Guardian

Cryptic clues are typically unpredictable pieces of language, seemingly unconnected to anything in the rest of the paper, possibly the rest of the world.

The Guardian

But the biggest teachers' union disputes the findings, saying that the NFER counted 'bits and pieces of language provision cobbled together'.

The Guardian

While she attends, with tact and precision, to sensual details, the pieces of language Robinson cherishes most are the kind of sturdy, everyday abstractions you might ponder in church.

The New York Times - Books

One would maintain that modal operators (and associated pieces of language like essential predication, counterfactual conditionals, and perhaps other things like assignments of probabilities) lacked literal application: that all statements prefixed with a modal operator were either uniformly literally truthvalueless or uniformly literally false.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "piece of language" when you want to refer to a specific word, phrase, or expression within a broader context of communication or linguistic analysis.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "piece of language" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler terms like "word", "phrase", or "expression" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piece of language" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific element or segment within the broader scope of language. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in academic, news, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "piece of language" is a versatile and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a specific word, phrase, or expression. Ludwig AI indicates that while common, especially in news, media, and academic settings, it's essential to consider the context and audience. Simpler alternatives like "word" or "phrase" may be more appropriate in casual conversation. Ludwig's examples showcases usage across varied reputable sources, making it a reliable choice for precise linguistic reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

linguistic element

Focuses on the structural aspect of the language.

segment of language

Highlights the portion or division within a language.

fragment of speech

Emphasizes the spoken aspect of the language.

linguistic unit

Refers to a single, indivisible component of language.

verbal expression

Stresses the act of conveying something through words.

snippet of text

Highlights a small portion of written language.

portion of discourse

Refers to part of a conversation or written work.

lexical item

Focuses on a single word or phrase as part of the vocabulary.

linguistic component

Highlights that the phrase is one of the components of the whole language structure.

speech element

Highlights the spoken component of the language.

FAQs

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

You can use "piece of language" to refer to a specific word, phrase, or expression, as in: "'Innovation' has become a common "piece of language" in business discussions."

What are some alternatives to "piece of language"?

Alternatives include "linguistic element", "segment of language", or simply "word" or "phrase", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "piece of language" in academic writing?

Yes, "piece of language" is suitable for academic writing when discussing specific linguistic elements or analyzing language use. It adds a level of specificity suitable for formal analysis.

What's the difference between "piece of language" and "figure of speech"?

"Piece of language" is a general term referring to any segment of language, whereas "figure of speech" refers to a specific type of language use characterized by non-literal or rhetorical devices, like a metaphor.