two chunks of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two chunks of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two separate pieces or portions of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I need two chunks of cheese for the recipe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Farther on, I found the golden water buffalo: two chunks of rock that vaguely suggested a buffalo's head and a hump, with incense sticks planted in a crevice.

The New Yorker

Italy will be the largest single issuer: it has two chunks of debt due in the last weeks of January and February.

The Economist

Sitting on two chunks of limestone in this big space it is as adamantly sculptural as the wall-floor is environmental.

The New York Times - Arts

Two chunks of Slavdom, in particular, have most patently disappointed: the Slavic core of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus; and the southern Slavs, centred on Serbia.Yet it is wrong to presume that Slavs can never be democrats.

The Economist

And I found the rich fish fumet at the heart of the fish stew delectable, once I had dug past undercooked mussels, a single shrimp and two chunks of whitefish to reach it.

The New York Times

Should you watch it through Oedipal eyes, the entire movie can be parsed as an agonized wrestle with the influence of Steven Spielberg, who, having directed the first two chunks of the franchise, remains as an executive producer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It was previously thought that short-term memory could hold up to seven chunks of information.

The Guardian

Serve five chunks of leek per portion, topped with a dollop of the crème fraîche mix.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Note that this does not mean between five and nine bits, but rather five to nine chunks of information.

Britannica

However, current research now suggests that two to four chunks of information is the maximum amount for working memory.

The Guardian

This sentence consists of around seven chunks of information and is clearly manageable for any ordinary reader.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is crucial, specifying the size or weight of the "chunks" provides additional clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "two chunks of" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise or professional terms like "two pieces of" or "two portions of" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two chunks of" primarily functions as a quantifying phrase modifying a noun. It specifies a quantity and provides a description of the form or shape of the noun being described. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing food, data, and physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two chunks of" is a common and acceptable way to describe portions or pieces, particularly when they are irregularly shaped. It is most frequently found in news and media, though it also appears in scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, it is more informal and should be used cautiously in highly formal writing. According to Ludwig, it is best used when describing somewhat irregular, non-uniform elements. When a more professional tone is needed, alternatives like "two pieces of" or "two portions of" may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two pieces of

Replaces "chunks" with a more general term for portions.

a couple of chunks of

Offers a more casual and less precise quantity.

two portions of

Uses a more formal term than "chunks".

a pair of chunks of

Highlights the pairing aspect of the two pieces.

two fragments of

Suggests smaller, broken pieces.

two segments of

Suitable for describing division into distinct parts.

two segments of

Implies division into distinct parts.

double portion of

Highlights a bigger serving than usual.

pair of fragments

Implies smaller, broken pieces.

brace of parts

A more archaic or literary alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "two chunks of" in a sentence?

You can use "two chunks of" to describe portions or pieces of something. For instance, "I ate "two chunks of cheese"" or "The recipe calls for "two chunks of chocolate"".

What are some alternatives to "two chunks of"?

Alternatives include "two pieces of", "two portions of", or "a couple of chunks of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "two chunks of" in writing?

"Two chunks of" is suitable for informal writing, recipes, or when describing irregularly shaped pieces. Avoid it in highly formal or technical documents where precision is needed.

Is there a difference between "two chunks of" and "two pieces of"?

While both refer to portions, "chunks" implies a rougher, more irregular shape, whereas "pieces" is more general. Using "two pieces of" can be more appropriate in formal contexts.