What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fragment
Example
The archaeologist found a fragment of pottery from the ancient civilization. [fragment: noun]
Example
The mirror shattered into fragments when it fell on the floor. [fragment: noun]
Example
The essay was full of sentence fragments and lacked coherence. [fragment: noun]
piece
Example
She ate a piece of cake for dessert. [piece: noun]
Example
The carpenter cut a piece of wood to fit the frame. [piece: noun]
Example
The pianist played a beautiful piece by Mozart. [piece: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Piece is more commonly used than fragment in everyday language. Piece is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fragment is less common and often used in technical or academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fragment and piece?
Both fragment and piece can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fragment is more commonly used in technical or academic writing, while piece can be used in various contexts, including art, literature, and music.
