pieces of material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pieces of material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individual segments or portions of a larger substance or fabric, often in contexts related to crafting, construction, or manufacturing. Example: "The artist used various pieces of material to create a stunning collage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Crafting

Construction

Manufacturing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The colored pieces of material in the center represent the molten battery materials.

MIT Technology Review

The accomplishment embodied by these transformed pieces of material is sublime.

The New York Times

"It's a suit made of pieces of material, like an anatomic atlas".

The New York Times - Sports

A constructed or assembled sculpture is made by joining preformed pieces of material.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The particularly tricky bit is stitching two pieces of material together.

The Economist

Each product is derived from individual pieces of material, individual components, and individual assembly processes.

Designing Capable and Reliable Products

Attracted to their "feel, colors and shapes," she began to include handkerchiefs and other pieces of material in her works.

The New York Times

Technically speaking, collage is a form of patchwork in which pieces of material are glued to a support.

The New York Times

The technology can also identify papers cobbled together from bits and pieces of material from several texts.

The New York Times

The pieces of material were set into pleats, soaked in a thin starch solution, twisted and tied at the ends, then left in the sun to dry.

Britannica

She tells me about rehearsals in which the giant pieces of material got blown away and lost in the studio light riggings.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artwork or construction, use "pieces of material" to accurately convey that something is assembled from separate components. This emphasizes the composite nature of the final product.

Common error

Avoid using "pieces of material" in overly abstract or figurative contexts where it might sound too literal. Opt for more nuanced terms like "elements", "aspects", or "components" depending on your intended meaning. Retain "pieces of material" for scenarios when you need to describe real, tangible items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pieces of material" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to multiple, separate portions of a substance, typically in a physical or tangible sense. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a grammatically sound expression widely used for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pieces of material" is a grammatically correct and common noun phrase used to describe multiple fragments of a substance. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. Its neutral register allows for application across various contexts, particularly in describing physical objects and construction projects. While versatile, avoid overuse in abstract contexts. The related phrases offer alternative wording that, although meaning the same concept, can be used for more specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bits of fabric

Focuses specifically on fabric fragments, suitable for sewing or crafting contexts.

sections of textile

Specifically refers to woven materials and their divisions.

segments of substance

Implies a more structured or distinct division within a larger material.

scraps of material

Suggests leftover or discarded portions, often implying waste or reuse.

remnants of goods

Implies that they are leftover from a larger quantity of something that has been sold or used

shreds of material

Suggests small, torn, or worn pieces, often implying damage or wear.

fragments of stuff

More informal and general, applicable to a wider range of materials and contexts.

components of matter

Focuses on the compositional aspect, suggesting that the segments are parts of a whole.

portions of matter

Emphasizes the physical composition and existence of the material.

elements of substance

Focuses on the basic, irreducible components that make up the larger material.

FAQs

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

You can use "pieces of material" to describe the components of a physical object, like "The sculpture was made from various "pieces of material" found at the construction site."

What are some alternatives to saying "pieces of material"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bits of fabric", "segments of substance", or "scraps of material".

Is it correct to use "pieces of material" in a formal context?

Yes, "pieces of material" is appropriate for formal contexts when describing physical objects or components. For more abstract ideas, consider alternatives like "elements" or "aspects".

What's the difference between "pieces of material" and "components of material"?

"Pieces of material" generally refers to distinct, tangible fragments, while "components of material" emphasizes that these fragments are integral parts of a larger whole. The choice depends on whether you're highlighting the individual segments or their function within a system.