works on paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works on paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation, plan, or idea that seems feasible or effective in theory but may not necessarily work in practice. Example: "The new policy sounds great and works on paper, but we need to consider its real-world implications before implementation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Henri-Gabriel Ibels," works on paper.

The New York Times

Through July 14. "Henri-Gabriel Ibels," works on paper.

The New York Times

KINGSTON "Works on Paper," Lynn Herring.

The New York Times

POUGHKEEPSIE "Recent Acquisitions: Works on Paper".

The New York Times

TOM BURCKHARDT Works on paper.

The New York Times

They're ideal for studying works on paper.

The New York Times - Arts

The sale included many works on paper.

The New York Times

EAST HAMPTON "Jack Youngerman: Works on Paper, 1951-2012".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Several works-on-paper brought particularly high prices.

The New York Times

Saundra Lane has given the museum 6,000 photographs, 100 works-on-paper and 25 paintings.

The New York Times

Luckily for Nevada, we've got these works-on-paper for a while.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In a business context, use "works on paper" when referring to proposals, plans, or documents that exist in physical form. This clarifies the medium and differentiates it from digital documents.

Common error

Avoid using "works on paper" when referring to digital art or graphic designs created and viewed exclusively on electronic devices. Reserve this term for physical artworks created on paper.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works on paper" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to refer to artistic creations, business documents, or any form of documented material existing in physical paper format. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "works on paper" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to specify creations on physical paper, be they artistic or documentary. It holds a neutral to professional tone, widely understood in art, business, and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically sound, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times, The Economist, and The New Yorker. When using this term, be clear about whether you're referring to art or documents, and avoid applying it to digital creations to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawings and sketches

Specifies types of art created on paper, focusing on the artistic creation process.

plans in principle

Highlights the agreement on an idea without delving into the specifics or detailed execution.

documented plans

Emphasizes the aspect of having plans recorded, highlighting the documentation rather than the medium.

illustrated designs

Highlights design work that incorporates illustrations, pinpointing a combination of function and art.

artistic renderings

Implies a transformation or interpretation of a subject through art, adding a layer of creativity.

theoretical constructs

Focuses on the theoretical aspect, shifting away from physical creation to conceptual frameworks.

written proposals

Specifically refers to proposals that are written, narrowing the scope to persuasive documents.

graphic representations

Broader term encompassing visual depictions, which may or may not be artistic, and might include charts or diagrams.

blueprints and diagrams

Refers to technical drawings or plans often used in architecture and engineering, providing a technical context.

literary compositions

Emphasizes written creative works, such as poems, plays, or novels, moving away from visual arts.

FAQs

How is the phrase "works on paper" typically used in art contexts?

In art, "works on paper" generally refers to artworks created on paper, such as drawings, watercolors, prints, and collages. It's used to specify the medium and scope of an exhibition or collection.

What does "works on paper" mean in a business setting?

In business, "works on paper" often refers to physical documents like plans, proposals, and reports, as opposed to digital files. It's used to emphasize the tangible nature of the information.

Can I use alternatives to "works on paper"? If so, when?

Yes, depending on the context. In art, you could use "drawings and sketches" or "artistic renderings" /s/artistic+renderings if you want to be more specific. In business, you might say "documented plans" /s/documented+plans or "written proposals" /s/written+proposals.

Is "works on paper" only applicable to finished artworks or business plans?

No, "works on paper" can refer to preliminary sketches, studies, or drafts as well as finished pieces. It's about the medium, not necessarily the completeness of the work.