A1noun1K

Paper

UK /["/ˈpeɪpə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈpeɪpər/"]/

Definition

the thin material that you write and draw on and that is also used for wrapping and packing things

In simple words: A thin material used for writing or printing on.

Examples

  • I need to buy some paper for my printer.
  • She drew a lovely picture on the paper.
  • The teacher gave us a paper to write our essays on.
  • Please pass me that sheet of paper on the table.
  • He folded the paper into a crane shape.
  • The book was too thick for regular paper; it used a special type instead.
  • The children used colorful paper for their crafts.
  • Can you write your name on this paper?
  • They were reading the paper during breakfast.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate in educational, office, and personal settings. Avoid using in specific contexts where a more precise term is needed (e.g., cardboard, tissue).

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'paper' as a 'page for every purpose' that's easy to remember.

Collocations

  • draft
  • consultation
  • discussion
  • deliver
  • give
  • present
  • consider something
  • deal with something
  • examine something
  • in a/​the paper
  • paper on
  • daily
  • evening
  • morning
  • copy
  • edition
  • buy
  • get
  • take
  • come out
  • report something
  • shop
  • boy
  • girl
  • in a/​the paper
  • on a/​the paper
  • necessary
  • official
  • ID
  • pile
  • sheaf
  • sign
  • show
  • shuffle
  • necessary
  • official
  • ID
  • pile
  • sheaf
  • sign
  • show
  • shuffle
  • exam
  • examination
  • question
  • do
  • sit
  • take
  • in a/​the paper
  • on a/​the paper
  • draft
  • consultation
  • discussion
  • deliver
  • give
  • present
  • consider something
  • deal with something
  • examine something
  • in a/​the paper
  • paper on
  • draft
  • consultation
  • discussion
  • deliver
  • give
  • present
  • consider something
  • deal with something
  • examine something
  • in a/​the paper
  • paper on

Synonyms

  • sheet
  • page
  • papyrus
  • folio
  • notepaper

Antonyms

  • digital
  • electronic

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'paperwork' when referring to documents.
  • Using 'papes' as slang in formal writing.
  • Saying 'the paper' when referring to a type of paper (like 'the A4 paper').