tile shards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tile shards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to broken pieces of tiles, often in contexts related to construction, home improvement, or art. Example: "After the renovation, the floor was covered in tile shards that needed to be cleaned up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There's no sign for Mombar (pronounced MOOM-bar), just a couple of huge eyes built into the storefront, one made of stucco, the other of tile shards.

The New York Times - Food

The scale of destruction in the Uzbek neighborhoods of this southern city is otherworldly: block after block of charred timbers, downed power lines, burned dump trucks jackknifed into the alleyways, and ubiquitous glass and ceramic tile shards, all smelling of cinders.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Gawkers who entered the restaurant stood not on a floor once made of marble and granite tiles but on shards of wood and dishes.

The New York Times

Ceramic artist Li Xiaofeng repurposes shards of tiles from ancient dynasties, sewing them together on a leather undergarment to create polo shirts, suits, and dresses.

Vice

It has mosaics on the walls and counters made of shards of broken tile and cushy flooring made out of wine corks.

The New York Times

Open the pages depicting Park Güell, the stunning garden Gaudí created for an unrealized suburban development, and observe the delicate, palm-leaf ironwork on the entrance gates; then get a bird's-eye view (impossible to achieve in person) of the park's beloved salamander fountain, encrusted with shards of bright tile, or trencadís.

The New York Times - Books

The entire front was dappled with shards of technicolour tiles, bent into balconies, supported by massive stone limbs.

The Guardian - Arts

Rustic acorn-shaped finials, which could have been lifted from Palladio's Villa Barbaro in Treviso, were made with shards of roof tiles bought from a local roofer.

The New York Times

He also makes use of mismatched bricks, shards of ceramic tiles, shattered mirrors, bottle butts, wine corks, old DVDs and even bones from nearby cattle yards.

The New York Times

Both were covered with a stucco incorporating minute shards of pottery and tile.

Wikipedia

Apart from the pain, the most common problem was infection - either from ingrown toenails (which made it necessary to sometimes remove the toenails altogether); or from foreign bodies intentionally inserted into the bindings (like shards of glass or broken tiles) to induce infection.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene with broken tiles, use "tile shards" to create a vivid image of destruction or disrepair. This term is more evocative than simply saying "broken tiles".

Common error

While "tile shards" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing, especially when technical accuracy is paramount. Opt for "tile fragments" or "broken tiles" in such situations for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tile shards" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tile shards" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that describes broken pieces of tile. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While generally neutral in tone, "tile shards" is most commonly found in news and media contexts. For more formal writing, consider using "tile fragments". The phrase effectively conveys a sense of damage or disrepair, helping to create a vivid image for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken tiles

Simple and direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being broken.

tile fragments

More formal term, highlighting the pieces that remain.

smashed tiles

Emphasizes the act of breaking with force.

cracked tiles

Focuses on the presence of cracks rather than complete breakage.

splintered tiles

Suggests a sharper, more jagged break.

tile debris

Collective term for scattered pieces after destruction.

remnants of tiles

Highlights what is left behind.

tile wreckage

Implies a more significant destructive event.

disintegrated tiles

Focuses on the process of falling apart.

ruined tiles

Emphasizes the state of being damaged beyond repair.

FAQs

What does "tile shards" mean?

"Tile shards" refers to small, broken pieces of "tile", often resulting from damage or demolition.

How can I use "tile shards" in a sentence?

You can use "tile shards" to describe the remnants of broken tiles, for example: "The floor was covered in "tile shards" after the earthquake."

What are some synonyms for "tile shards"?

Synonyms include "broken tiles", "tile fragments", or depending on the context, "tile debris".

Is "tile shards" formal or informal language?

"Tile shards" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In highly formal or technical contexts, "tile fragments" might be preferred.