slice of cake

USAGE SUMMARY

"slice of cake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about a specific piece of cake. For example, "My daughter asked for a second slice of cake after dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead of a cookie or slice of cake for dessert, have a handful of berries or a sliced apple.

WikiHow

And another slice of cake.

The Guardian - Travel

You'll have many colored windows in each slice of cake!

Princeton University

"I'll have a slice of cake tonight," said Schofield, smiling.

The Guardian - Sport

Well," said Bill, accepting another slice of cake, "I hope she's a good cook".

The New Yorker

I then proceeded to pantomime eating a slice of cake, using an actual fork and plate.

The New York Times - Food

Each merited a drink, a few snacks, and maybe a slice of cake.

The New Yorker

A balloon, slice of cake and a hearty shove towards the exit will suffice.

Independent

A cup of hot chocolate and a huge slice of cake costs €7.

Independent

I even turned down a huge slice of cake last time at the finish line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They eat a slice of cake at dinner and that's it.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slice of cake" when referring to a specific, usually thin, piece cut from a larger cake. For example, "I would like a "slice of cake" with my coffee."

Common error

While often interchangeable, "slice of cake" typically refers to a thinner, more defined cut. Avoid using it when the portion is irregularly shaped or significantly large.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slice of cake" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It refers to a specific portion of cake, often understood as a relatively thin, flat piece. Ludwig confirms that it is a valid phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slice of cake" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a portion of cake, typically a thin, flat piece. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely accepted and used in various contexts, from everyday conversation to news articles. While alternatives like "piece of cake" or "portion of cake" exist, "slice of cake" carries a specific image of how the cake is cut. It's most frequently found in News & Media, reflecting its general usage, and Ludwig's examples confirm its versatility and correctness in both formal and informal settings. Remember to use it when you genuinely mean a slice, and not just any random "piece of cake".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cake slice

Changes the word order, maintaining the same core meaning.

piece of cake

Uses "piece" instead of "slice", implying a similar portion but with a slightly different connotation.

wedge of cake

Replaces "slice" with "wedge", suggesting a triangular cut, still referring to a portion of cake.

segment of cake

Uses "segment" instead of "slice", still implying a portion of the cake.

portion of cake

Uses "portion" to generalize the amount of cake, rather than specifying a particular cut.

cut of cake

Uses "cut" to represent how the cake is physically divided.

cake portion

Inverts the phrase, focusing on the cake before the portion.

serving of cake

Specifies a "serving" which implies a standard or recommended amount, instead of an arbitrary cut.

helping of cake

Specifies a "helping", implying an amount served, similar to a portion.

part of cake

Refers to a general section, not necessarily a specific serving.

FAQs

How can I use "slice of cake" in a sentence?

You can use "slice of cake" in sentences like: "Would you like a "slice of cake" for dessert?", "He offered her a generous "slice of cake"." or "That "slice of cake" looks delicious!"

What is the difference between "slice of cake" and "piece of cake"?

While both refer to a portion of cake, "slice of cake" often implies a thinner, more uniform cut, whereas "piece of cake" is a more general term for any portion, regardless of shape or size. They are largely interchangeable, but context can influence the more appropriate choice.

What can I say instead of "slice of cake"?

Alternatives include "portion of cake", "piece of cake", "wedge of cake", or "serving of cake", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a cake slice" instead of "slice of cake"?

Yes, "cake slice" is grammatically correct and understandable, but "slice of cake" is more common and natural-sounding in most contexts. "Cake slice" may be used in more descriptive or labeling situations, such as in a bakery display.