pieces of flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pieces of flesh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to anatomy, horror, or discussions about physicality, often to describe dismemberment or graphic imagery. Example: "The horror movie featured unsettling scenes with pieces of flesh scattered across the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

There were pieces of flesh.

Independent

Blood and pieces of flesh were everywhere".

The Guardian

"You could see pieces of flesh everywhere".

The New York Times

She brings pieces of flesh back to her children.

The New Yorker

"Blood and pieces of flesh were scattered around the place".

The Guardian

Yet much of their work involved collecting individual pieces of flesh, fragments of remains.

Independent

Another eyewitness saw "pieces of flesh and tree branches strewn nearby".

The New Yorker

"Pieces of flesh and the remains of books were scattered everywhere".

The Guardian

"There was one woman with pieces of flesh in her hair," he said.

The New York Times

There were pieces of flesh on the ground, hands and a head".

The New York Times

"There were pieces of flesh and ribs all over the road," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "pieces of flesh", ensure the context is appropriate and sensitive, especially in journalistic or creative writing. Consider if a less graphic alternative could convey the same message with more tact.

Common error

Avoid using "pieces of flesh" in contexts where the graphic imagery is unnecessary or inappropriate. Opt for more neutral terms like "tissue samples" or "body parts" in scientific or medical discussions, unless the specific graphic detail is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pieces of flesh" is as a noun phrase acting as a direct object, subject, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing physical remains in graphic detail, particularly in news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pieces of flesh" is a noun phrase that is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to describe bodily remains, often in the context of violence, accidents, or clinical descriptions. While commonly found in news and media sources, its usage extends to science and encyclopedic content. Related phrases include "fragments of flesh" and "shreds of flesh", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using "pieces of flesh", it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for less graphic alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragments of flesh

Emphasizes small, broken parts, similar to "pieces of flesh" but highlights fragmentation.

shreds of flesh

Conveys a sense of tearing or ripping, focusing on the texture and action.

bits of flesh

Highlights small, discrete portions, minimizing the implied violence.

remnants of flesh

Focuses on the idea of leftover or remaining parts, emphasizing the aftermath.

chunks of flesh

Emphasizes larger, irregular portions, suggesting substantial pieces.

morsels of flesh

Implies small, bite-sized amounts, sometimes used metaphorically.

scraps of flesh

Highlights discarded or unwanted portions, suggesting a lack of value.

segments of flesh

Implies more defined or delineated sections, suggesting a structured division.

portions of flesh

Suggests measured or allocated amounts, sometimes used in a cannibalistic context.

lumps of flesh

Indicates shapeless, amorphous pieces, emphasizing the lack of form.

FAQs

How can I use "pieces of flesh" in a sentence?

You can use "pieces of flesh" to describe graphic scenes in fiction, report on violent events, or discuss anatomical details. For example: "The explosion scattered "pieces of flesh" across the street."

What are some alternatives to "pieces of flesh"?

Alternatives include "fragments of flesh", "shreds of flesh", or "body parts", depending on the context and desired level of detail.

Is it appropriate to use "pieces of flesh" in formal writing?

The appropriateness of using "pieces of flesh" in formal writing depends on the subject matter. It may be suitable in forensic science reports or graphic war correspondence, but less so in general academic or business contexts. Consider your audience and the need for such graphic detail.

What is the difference between "pieces of flesh" and "body parts"?

"Body parts" is a more general and clinical term, referring to identifiable components of the body. "Pieces of flesh" implies smaller, often unidentifiable fragments, usually in a violent or disturbing context. Therefore, "body parts" is a more neutral option.