take a piece

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a piece" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to taking a portion of something, often in a literal sense like food or a figurative sense like an idea or concept. Example: "At the party, everyone was eager to take a piece of the delicious cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'll take a piece of chocolate torte," he said.

The New Yorker

He was trying to take a piece out of Carson.

The New Yorker

Now take a piece of lettuce to show others the way.

The New York Times - Magazine

Take a piece of string and tie it through the remaining end.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Usually they'll take a piece of grass and lay down," Ms. Wils said.

The New York Times

"Every day they take a piece of Parma away".

BBC

Then you take a piece of the illusionary wealth, as personal cash, now.

Forbes

They take a piece of their life for themselves".

Los Angeles Times

"You will take a piece of my heart with you". .

Huffington Post

The audience is invited to take a piece with them.

Huffington Post

If I want something as a snack, I take a piece of fruit".

BMC Endocrine Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, be specific about what you want them to "take a piece" of. For example, "Take a piece of paper that's at least 8x8 inches."

Common error

Don't just say "Take a piece"; clarify what type of piece you are referring to, such as "Take a piece of advice" or "Take a piece of cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a piece" functions primarily as an imperative, often used in instructions or suggestions to acquire a portion of something tangible or intangible. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase appears in contexts ranging from food consumption to crafting projects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a piece" is a versatile and commonly used expression that generally indicates the act of acquiring or obtaining a portion of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, science, and instructional guides. While its register is generally neutral, the specific context will determine the most appropriate usage. For formal settings, consider alternatives like "obtain a portion". When using "take a piece" in instructions, ensure you provide clarity regarding what the individual should be taking a piece of.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab a slice

Focuses on taking a portion, specifically a slice, of something, often food.

obtain a portion

More formal, emphasizes the act of getting a part of something.

acquire a segment

Similar to obtain a portion but implies a more defined or structured part.

secure a fragment

Emphasizes obtaining a small, often incomplete, part of something.

extract a section

Suggests carefully removing a part from a larger whole.

select a component

Implies choosing a specific part from a set of options.

help yourself to some

An invitation to take some food or drinks.

help yourself to a part

An invitation to take a section or portion.

snag a share

Informal, implies quickly or opportunistically getting a portion.

pluck a fraction

Suggests removing a very small part with precision.

FAQs

How can I use "take a piece" in a sentence?

You can use "take a piece" to describe physically taking a portion of something, like "Take a piece of bread", or metaphorically, such as "Take a piece of my advice".

What's the difference between "take a piece" and "take a slice"?

"Take a piece" is more general and can refer to any portion, while "take a slice" specifically refers to a thin, flat portion cut from something, typically food.

What can I say instead of "take a piece" in a formal context?

In a formal context, consider using alternatives like "obtain a portion" or "acquire a segment" to maintain a more professional tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "take a piece"?

While generally acceptable, the appropriateness of "take a piece" depends on the context. In highly formal situations, a more precise or sophisticated term might be preferable.