slip of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slip of paper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small, rectangular piece of paper, usually no larger than the size of a post-it note. For example, "I wrote my phone number on a slip of paper and gave it to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He handed me a slip of paper.

The New York Times - Sports

Inside is a folded slip of paper, covered with code.

The New Yorker

She began writing on a pale-green slip of paper.

The New Yorker

The slip of paper pictured above dates from 1870.

The Guardian

'Was it just a blank slip of paper?' Probably.

The New Yorker

The policeman looked at the slip of paper.

The New Yorker

Lewis wrote them on a slip of paper.

The New Yorker

Write one statement per slip of paper (as directed above).

The New York Times

The slip of paper dictated only part of his day.

The New York Times

"He also left a note for you," she said, handing me another folded slip of paper.

The New Yorker

Still absorbed he opened a cookie and extracted the slip of paper inside.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slip of paper" to emphasize the physical form and small size of the paper, especially when it's handed over or exchanged.

Common error

Avoid using "slip of paper" when referring to official or legal documents. Opt for terms like "form", "certificate", or "official document" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slip of paper" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a physical item, a small piece of paper, often used for writing short notes or messages. Ludwig confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slip of paper" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a small piece of paper typically used for notes or messages. As confirmed by Ludwig, its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to consider the formality of the situation and opt for more appropriate terms like "memo" or "note" in professional settings. Remember to avoid using it in scenarios that require a description of official documents. Understanding these nuances will ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paper slip

Inverts the order of words while conveying the same meaning.

small note

Replaces "slip of paper" with a more general term for a brief written message.

scrap of paper

Emphasizes the small and often discarded nature of the paper.

bit of paper

Similar to "scrap of paper", indicating a small, perhaps insignificant piece.

piece of paper

A more generic term, suitable when the size isn't crucial.

written note

Highlights the content rather than the physical form of the paper.

small piece of stationery

Formally specifies the paper type.

note on paper

Highlights the paper as the medium for a note.

paper message

Focuses on the communicative aspect of the paper.

small document

Suggests a more official or important piece of paper, albeit small.

FAQs

How can I use "slip of paper" in a sentence?

You can use "slip of paper" to describe a small piece of paper used for notes, messages, or information, such as, "She handed me a "slip of paper" with her phone number on it."

What are some synonyms for "slip of paper"?

Alternatives include "small note", "scrap of paper", or "piece of paper" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slip of paper" in a formal setting?

While "slip of paper" is widely understood, it's often more appropriate to use more formal terms such as "note" or "memo" in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "slip of paper" and "sheet of paper"?

"Slip of paper" implies a smaller, often casually used piece, while "sheet of paper" typically refers to a standard-sized piece of paper.