scrap of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scrap of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small piece of bread, usually as an example of something that is insignificant or of little worth. For example, "The beggar gratefully accepted the scrap of bread from the kind family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The children were fed a scrap of bread, and then set about begging.

The Guardian - Books

Originally it was a humble peasant treat on bread-baking day, made from a scrap of bread dough and baked on the stone floor of a village's wood-fired oven.

The New York Times - Food

All she wanted was a better quality of life for the 14,000 people of her home town, a place of cattle-raising in thorny chaparral amid dense tropical forest; to pull the place out of its neglect, in which most people "have to tear their souls apart every day to get a scrap of bread for their children".

The Economist

Not because of the daily massacres, the Scud missiles or the Mig helicopters; nor because of Syria's transformation into a hell on earth, where people die every day as they wait in line for a scrap of bread, where Assad's aircraft bombard the bread ovens so that the people will starve.

The Guardian - Books

Arnold Schwarzenegger outlawed production in California in 2004 in a cheap scrap of bread and circuses politics – his state had only one producer – and Chicago prohibited the sale of foie gras in its restaurants between 2006 and 2008, the mayor commenting that this brief ban was "the silliest thing they [the city council] have ever done".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Come on, we've come to your restaurant, hungry and ready to order an appetizer, an entrée, a few side dishes, maybe even dessert, but you'll begrudge us a scrap of bread to nibble on while we await our service?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Dried scraps of bread.

The New Yorker

When they feel like it, they give me scraps of bread".

The New York Times

The wine is local, made from fermented fruit cups, with yeast coming from scraps of bread.

The New York Times - Magazine

In March 1968, Mr. McCain was put in solitary confinement, fed only watery pumpkin soup and scraps of bread.

The New York Times

A chorus of voices told of the struggle to survive during the relentless bombings, scrabbling for scraps of bread, and drinking water from an old well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scrap of bread" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes the insignificance or desperation associated with the item. For example, "He was so poor he would fight for a scrap of bread."

Common error

Avoid using "scrap of bread" in formal or professional writing unless you intend to create a specific effect of poverty, scarcity, or worthlessness. More neutral terms like "small portion of bread" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scrap of bread" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a small, often insignificant, piece of bread. As Ludwig AI suggests, it can be used to refer to something that is insignificant or of little worth.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scrap of bread" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to depict a small, often insignificant, piece of bread, with connotations of poverty or scarcity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to represent something of little worth. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it carries an informal register. While examples are not abundant, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of need or desperation. When writing, consider the context to ensure the phrase's connotations align with your intended message, perhaps opting for a more neutral phrase like ""small piece of bread"" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small piece of bread

Focuses on the size of the bread portion.

tiny bit of bread

Emphasizes the minimal quantity of bread.

crumb of bread

Refers to an even smaller fragment of bread.

sliver of bread

Highlights the thinness or narrowness of the bread.

fragment of bread

Indicates that the bread is broken or incomplete.

morsel of bread

Implies a small, often savory, piece of bread.

portion of bread

More neutral term referring to an unspecified amount of bread.

piece of bread

General term for a detached or separate part of bread.

bread remnant

Focuses on bread that remains after something is finished.

end crust of bread

Specifies a particular part of the bread, the crust.

FAQs

How can I use "scrap of bread" in a sentence?

You can use "scrap of bread" literally, to describe a small piece of bread, or figuratively, to represent something of little value. For example: "The child was happy to receive even a "scrap of bread"."

What can I say instead of "scrap of bread"?

Alternatives include "small piece of bread", "tiny bit of bread", or "crumb of bread", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scrap of bread" formal or informal?

"Scrap of bread" tends to be informal and can evoke a sense of poverty or desperation. In more formal contexts, consider using "small portion of bread" instead.

When is it appropriate to use "scrap of bread" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "scrap of bread" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the insignificance of something or highlight a situation of extreme need. For example, "They were fighting over "scraps" of resources, like a "scrap of bread" in a famine."