Paperclips: meaning, definitions and examples

A general term that could refer to any small tool used to hold papers together. It is less specific and can be used in various casual settings.

• I need a clip to keep these receipts in order.
• Do you have a clip for these pages?

Often used in more professional or formal settings when a stronger hold is needed. Suitable for thicker stacks of paper and reusable.

• I used a binder clip to keep the project report organized.
• The files are too thick for a paperclip, use a binder clip instead.

Typically used in an office environment for more permanent binding of paper, often involving a mechanism like prongs or split pins. Suitable for documents that need to stay together permanently.

• The report was bound with a paper fastener for official submission.
• Please secure these forms with paper fasteners before filing them.