splinters of glass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "splinters of glass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe small, sharp pieces of broken glass, often in contexts related to accidents or damage. Example: "After the window shattered, there were splinters of glass scattered all over the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

At its best, Naipaul's prose is as sharp and lucid as splinters of glass.

The Guardian - Books

All clocks have unbreakable faces, thus depriving prisoners of splinters of glass.

The New Yorker

He was thrown sideways by a pressure wave so powerful that he was killed instantly, even before the splinters of glass and metal hit him.

The Guardian

There was smoke and thick dust everywhere, fallen masonry and fittings were blocking sections of the steps and splinters of glass covered the staircase where Picasso's sand-blasted lines hung undamaged.

The Guardian

He had not forgotten his time at the citadel, but his memory was heavily veiled by his final days there and the days afterward, his arduous trek, the burrs and splinters of glass stinging his paws, the dense, watery taste of the bloated dead.

The New Yorker

The Shard, thrusting splinters of glass 300 metres (984 ft) above London Bridge station, has already earned a place in popular imagination: it is a Mordor totem of wealthy elites, a monument to Qatari investment, or a "spike through the heart of historic London," in the words of English Heritage.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He tweezered another splinter of glass out of Keith's face.

The New Yorker

Shortly afterward, we heard loud shouts and the splintering of glass.

The New Yorker

But it also explains why the sources so often agree: An image of the world is formed in accordance with its reflection in a single splinter of glass.

The Washington Post

A splinter of glass ripped a small hole in the canvas of "The Football Players", by Henri Rousseau, and this was the only painting injured by the fire.

The New Yorker

"It's a film about the evil from outside, the splinter of glass that enters a community and turns everything blue and fearful".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "splinters of glass" in your writing, consider the image you want to evoke. The phrase is best used when emphasizing the sharpness and potential danger of broken glass, such as after an accident or explosion.

Common error

Avoid using "splinters of glass" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the image of literal broken glass doesn't quite fit. Choose more appropriate figurative language to convey abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "splinters of glass" is as a noun phrase. It acts as a compound noun, where "splinters" modifies "glass", describing the specific form and nature of the glass. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase accurately describes broken glass fragments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "splinters of glass" is a grammatically sound and evocative noun phrase commonly used to describe small, sharp pieces of broken glass. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, aiming to provide a vivid and potentially alarming image of shattered glass. For alternative phrasing, consider using "shards of glass" or "fragments of glass" for similar meanings. When writing, ensure the phrase aligns with the desired imagery of sharpness and danger, avoiding overuse in abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shards of glass

Focuses on sharp, broken pieces of glass, similar in meaning but more general.

glass shards

A more concise version, emphasizing the sharp fragments.

fragments of glass

Emphasizes the broken nature of the glass, less focused on the sharp edges.

slivers of glass

Conveys smaller, thinner fragments of glass.

bits of shattered glass

Refers to small pieces resulting from glass being broken violently.

broken glass pieces

Directly refers to pieces of broken glass, simplifying the imagery.

jagged glass pieces

Focuses on the irregular and sharp edges of the broken glass.

razor-sharp glass fragments

Highlights the dangerous sharpness of the glass pieces.

chips of glass

Suggests smaller, less dangerous pieces.

particles of glass

Emphasizes the minute nature of the broken glass.

FAQs

How can I use "splinters of glass" in a sentence?

The phrase "splinters of glass" typically describes the sharp, fragmented pieces of broken glass. For example, "After the car accident, "splinters of glass" were scattered across the road."

What are some alternatives to "splinters of glass"?

You can use alternatives like "shards of glass", "fragments of glass", or "broken glass pieces depending on the specific context."

Is "splinters of glass" more descriptive than "pieces of glass"?

Yes, "splinters of glass" is generally more descriptive than "pieces of glass". It suggests smaller, sharper, and potentially more dangerous fragments, often associated with a breaking or shattering event.

Can "splinters of glass" be used metaphorically?

While primarily literal, "splinters of glass" can be used metaphorically to describe something sharp, painful, or fragmented. However, ensure the context clearly supports this figurative use, and avoid overuse to maintain impact.