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Snappy Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Can I say, "A piece of parts"

The word "Parts (i.e., components of machines) " is usually used in plural.
Can I say, "a piece of parts" if I want to refer to a single component?
  

Top answer

Snappy Can I say, "a piece of parts" if I want to refer to a single component? No. You need to say, "a part" or "one of the parts".

— CalifJim

  • Snappy Can I say, "a piece of parts" if I want to refer to a single component?
  • No.
  • You need to say, "a part" or "one of the parts".
  • After "a piece of" you cannot have a plural.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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SnappyCan I say, "a piece of parts" if I want to refer to a single component?
No. You need to say, "a part" or "one of the parts". After "a piece of" you cannot have a plural.

CJ
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CalifJim
SnappyCan I say, "a piece of parts" if I want to refer to a single component?
No. You need to say, "a part" or "one of the parts". After "a piece of" you cannot have a plural.

CJ

Thanks. What about "a piece of apple"?
Should I say, "a piece of an apple"?
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SnappyWhat about "a piece of apple"?
Should I say, "a piece of an apple"?
You can use either of those, depending on context, but not "a piece of apples".

"a piece of" is usually followed by a word that refers to a solid substance:

a piece of cake, a piece of bread, a piece of meat, a piece of paper, a piece of string, a piece of wood, a p
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