What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crumbs
Example
She brushed the crumbs off the table after breakfast. [crumbs: noun]
Example
There were only a few crumbs left in the bag of chips. [crumbs: noun]
fragments
Example
The archaeologist found fragments of pottery at the dig site. [fragments: noun]
Example
The author read a fragment of her new novel at the book signing. [fragment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crumbs is more commonly used in everyday language than fragments, which is more often used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crumbs and fragments?
Fragments is generally considered more formal than crumbs, as it is often used in academic or technical writing.