pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to parts of a whole, often in contexts involving objects, ideas, or information. Example: "The artist used various pieces of wood to create a stunning sculpture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All content is editorially independent except for pieces labelled 'brought to you by'.

The Guardian

While he was well enough the couple went sailing together, and when he was too weak for that he painted obsessively, on cardboard and brown parcel paper, an old bait box, and pieces of china.

The Guardian - Arts

"It was due to the intervention of NAB and my itinerant teacher that I have been able to pick up the pieces.

The Guardian

Secession can be a bit like breaking a biscuit: crumbs everywhere and two pieces that don't seem quite as appealing as the original.

The Guardian

However, we have to be firm in protecting our core national interest … When you play chess you have a number of pieces on the board, but when talking about a country, you're talking about how many planes you have, how many submarines.

The Guardian

Schmidt will have targeted the Wales game during the first week of camp before the tournament, working on bits and pieces".

The Guardian - Sport

The downside came in the form of the near-collapse at the start of the second half when Sweden scored twice in quick succession and it was alarming to see the ease with which they got through from two set pieces.

The Guardian - Sport

Today Casa E offers a varied programme of video pieces, installation art and photography, and runs an annual prize to promote the work of emerging artists.

The Guardian - Travel

To climb in this fashion a climber will hammer a peg (or "piton") into a crack, wedge chocks – pieces of metal of various sizes and shapes – into it or place a skyhook (a very small grappling hook) over flakes of rock and edges.

The Guardian

I hope that their comments will further strengthen our longstanding call to reverse the overreach of these pieces of legislation.

The Guardian

Some of the unique pieces that I have designed have been tricky to make, so I work out how they can be made through research and a little trial and error.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, use "pieces" when referring to distinct parts of something that can be individually identified or handled.

Common error

While "pieces" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in highly abstract or conceptual discussions where more precise terms like "elements" or "components" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pieces" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple individual parts or units that together form a whole, or are considered as separate entities. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pieces" functions primarily as a plural noun referring to multiple parts or individual items. It is grammatically correct and enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptability. When writing, ensure that "pieces" accurately conveys the sense of multiplicity and separation, and consider alternatives like "parts", "segments", or "components" for enhanced precision in specific contexts. Avoid overuse in highly abstract contexts where more specific terms may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parts

Refers to individual components that constitute a whole, similar to "pieces" but generally applicable to more structured contexts.

segments

Indicates distinct portions or sections of something, emphasizing division or separation.

components

Highlights elements that contribute to a system or structure, focusing on functionality and integration.

elements

Denotes basic or essential constituents, applicable in various contexts including abstract concepts.

fragments

Implies broken or incomplete parts, suggesting a state of disintegration or damage.

sections

Highlights the act of something been divided.

items

General term for individual objects or units, suitable when specific characteristics are not emphasized.

portions

Refers to allocated or divided amounts, often used in the context of food or resources.

bits

Suggests small or insignificant fragments, implying a lack of substantiality or importance.

shards

Specifically denotes sharp, broken fragments, commonly used for glass or pottery.

FAQs

How can I use "pieces" in a sentence?

You can use "pieces" to refer to separate parts of something, as in "The puzzle consists of many small pieces", or to describe items, as in "The gallery displayed various artistic pieces".

What are some alternatives to "pieces"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "parts", "segments", or "components".

Is there a difference between "pieces" and "parts"?

"Pieces" often implies a less structured or more fragmented division, while "parts" usually refers to integral, designed components of a whole.

When is it better to use "items" instead of "pieces"?

Use "items" when you're referring to a collection of objects without emphasizing their relationship to a larger whole, whereas "pieces" suggests that the items are parts of something.