Meaning & use

writing paper

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈraɪtɪŋ ˌpeɪpə/
US/ˈraɪtɪŋ ˌpeɪpər/

Meaning

  1. noununcountable

    Paper made for handwriting letters or notes, usually smooth and often sold in pads or with matching envelopes.

    Grammar: Count it with units: a sheet of writing paper, not two writing papers.

    Patterns

    • a sheet of writing paper
    • write on writing paper

    She bought a pad of lined writing paper to send letters to her grandmother.

    He wrote the invitation on thick cream writing paper.

    We ran out of writing paper, so I used the back of an old flyer.

Common combinations

a sheet of writing paper
Take a sheet of writing paper and number the lines.
headed writing paper
The hotel gave us headed writing paper with its logo.
lined writing paper
I prefer lined writing paper for neat letters.
scented writing paper
Her scented writing paper was a gift from a friend.

Synonyms and how they differ

stationery
A wider word covering paper, envelopes, pens and other office supplies.
notepaper
Usually smaller sheets for short notes rather than long letters.

Commonly confused: writing paper or wrapping paper?

writing paper vs wrapping paper

Wrapping paper covers gifts, while writing paper is for writing on.

Practice

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