Shreds: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when referring to something that has been torn or cut into thin strips or very small pieces, often implying destruction or significant breaking apart.

• The letter was torn into shreds
• The old flag was in shreds after the storm

This term is used to describe small parts that have broken off from something larger, often used in more formal or technical contexts. It implies a piece that is part of a whole but now separated.

• Archaeologists discovered fragments of ancient pottery
• Her memories were just fragments of the past

A general term for parts of a whole, can be small or large, used in both formal and informal contexts. The word doesn't specify how the pieces were created.

• He carefully put together the pieces of the puzzle
• There were several pieces of broken furniture in the room

Used to describe small pieces of something, often when those pieces are quite tiny. Can be used in casual or technical contexts.

• She found bits of glass on the floor
• He added some bits of chocolate to the cookie dough

Use 'shreds' when you want to describe something that has been torn into thin strips or pieces, often as a result of force or destruction.

• The letter was left in shreds after the dog got a hold of it
• His clothes were reduced to shreds after the accident

Similar to 'rip up', 'tear up' is used for tearing something into pieces with hands. It can also imply an emotional response.

• Feeling overwhelmed, she tore up the letter
• He tore up the photo after their breakup

When you want to describe slicing something into smaller pieces usually with a knife or scissors, 'cut up' is appropriate. This is often used in a more neutral or casual context.

• She cut up the vegetables for the salad
• The teacher asked the students to cut up the paper into small squares

Use 'rip up' if you want to convey tearing something forcefully, usually with hands. It can suggest a more active or violent action.

• He angrily ripped up the contract
• She ripped up the old clothes before throwing them away