piece of paperwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "piece of paperwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a document or form that needs to be completed or processed. Example: "Before we can proceed with your application, please fill out this piece of paperwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He shredded every last piece of paperwork from his mortgage and foreclosure.

The New York Times

About a month after Washington Mutual Bank made a multimillion-dollar mortgage loan on a mountain home near Santa Barbara, Calif., a crucial piece of paperwork disappeared.

The New York Times

One sought-after piece of paperwork is the campaign-finance report showing the contributions collected at a 1985 fundraiser given by McDougal to relieve the Clintons' personal debt.

The New Yorker

"I'd like to see one piece of paperwork that I signed as an agent or even applied for as an agent," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It sounds like an innocuous piece of paperwork, but in the last two months "Stop form 696!" has become the rallying cry of the live music industry.

The Guardian

In part, it is a public-health measure — though even the doctors who deal with death certificates often forget that, regarding them instead as one more piece of paperwork.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"We sent a million pieces of paperwork," Brennan recalls.

The Guardian

The main organisations involved in the tram project initially suggested that there could be up to 500 million relevant pieces of paperwork, but this number was subsequently whittled down by the inquiry team.

Independent

Profit and loss accounts are one of the staple pieces of paperwork for business owners and managers – a simple and effective barometer of success internally, handy for securing investment, and legally required for incorporated companies.

The Guardian

Honda has said a no-deal Brexit could add 60,000 extra pieces of paperwork for imports and exports to the UK while costing the firm tens of millions of pounds.

The Guardian

Even if you spend a lot of time online, you've probably still get letters, receipts and other important pieces of paperwork that are piling up in your office or online.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "piece of paperwork", ensure the context clarifies the document's purpose. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I need that piece of paperwork", specify "I need the W-2 form".

Common error

Avoid using "piece of paperwork" when a more specific term is available. Using a vague term like "piece of paperwork" can confuse your audience when you can directly say "application", "contract", or "report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piece of paperwork" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It refers to a tangible item, specifically a document. Ludwig examples show it used to describe documents needing to be completed, filed, or processed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piece of paperwork" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a document or form. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts, but also appears in Wiki and Scientific sources. While generally neutral in register, the phrase can sometimes imply bureaucracy. For clarity, it's best to use a more specific term when possible, and to clarify the document's purpose in the context. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English, particularly when referring to a document needing completion or processing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paperwork item

A more generic term emphasizing that it's one of many within a larger set of paperwork.

form to fill out

Focuses on the action of completing a document rather than the document itself.

document to process

Highlights the administrative handling of a document.

official document

Focuses on the document being formally recognized or sanctioned.

official form

Emphasizes the formal or official nature of the document.

application form

Specifies the type of document as one used for applying for something.

required document

Highlights that the document is mandatory or necessary.

essential form

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the paperwork.

bit of red tape

Implies the paperwork is bureaucratic and cumbersome.

administrative task

Shifts the focus from the document itself to the task of dealing with it.

FAQs

What does "piece of paperwork" mean?

The term "piece of paperwork" refers to a single document or form, often one that needs to be completed or processed as part of a procedure or task. It's a general term that can apply to various types of documents.

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

You can use "piece of paperwork" in sentences like, "The bank requires one more "form to fill out" before approving the loan", or "Make sure you submit every "required document" to avoid delays".

What are some alternatives to "piece of paperwork"?

Alternatives include "form to fill out", "application form", "required document", or "official form", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use a more specific term than "piece of paperwork"?

Yes, using a specific term like "application", "contract", or "report" is often better because it provides more clarity and avoids vagueness. However, "piece of paperwork" is acceptable when you want to refer to a document generally or when the specific type of document is not important.