piece of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

'piece of paper' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe anything from a single sheet of ordinary printer paper to a scrap of paper with a note on it, for example: "I found a piece of paper tucked away in the back of the drawer that appeared to be a shopping list."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A piece of paper!

The New York Times

"Like that piece of paper.

The New Yorker

He pulled out a piece of paper.

The New Yorker

He took out the piece of paper.

The New Yorker

One fumbles with a piece of paper.

The New York Times

Another stray piece of paper has arrived.

The New Yorker

piece of paper.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Get a piece of paper.

WikiHow

Get 1 piece of paper.

WikiHow

Unfold the piece of paper.

WikiHow

Cut a piece of paper.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "piece of paper" to clearly indicate a single, manageable sheet for the task.

Common error

Avoid using "piece of paper" in highly formal documents; opt for more precise terms like "document", "form", or "certificate" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piece of paper" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the direct object or subject in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe a physical object used for writing, drawing, or providing information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piece of paper" is a common and generally correct noun phrase, widely used to refer to a single sheet or fragment of paper. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical acceptability and diverse usage. While it fits well in everyday conversations and general instructions, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "document" or "form". The examples show frequent usage in Wiki and News & Media contexts, suggesting a neutral to informal register. When writing, remember that, although interchangeable, "sheet of paper" is often related to standard formats, while ""piece of paper"" can refer to any size or fragment. So, depending on the formality of the document and its objective you should select the better option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheet of paper

Focuses on the physical form, emphasizing a single, often standard-sized, item.

scrap of paper

Suggests a small, perhaps discarded or unimportant, fragment.

slip of paper

Implies a narrow, easily handled piece, often used for notes.

page

Refers to one side of a leaf in a book, document, or notebook.

note

Highlights the function of recording information briefly.

document

Emphasizes an official or formal nature.

form

Refers to structured paper for collecting specific data.

certificate

Denotes an official document verifying specific information.

leaflet

Specifies a printed sheet providing information, often promotional.

handout

Indicates a paper distributed to an audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "piece of paper" in various contexts, such as "He scribbled a note on a "piece of paper"" or "She handed me a "piece of paper" with her phone number on it".

What are some alternatives to saying "piece of paper"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sheet of paper", "scrap of paper", or "note".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "piece of paper"?

While generally correct, using "piece of paper" might be too informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using a more formal term like "document" or "form" in those cases.

What's the difference between "piece of paper" and "sheet of paper"?

While often interchangeable, "sheet of paper" typically refers to a standard-sized piece, whereas ""piece of paper"" can refer to any size or scrap.