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I have already searched this but couldn't find anything helpful. So finally, I need to ask it here. Recently, I have come across the following sentence:

I want a paper.

And it should be:

I want a piece of paper.

Why do we use "a piece"?

Vibhu
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    Because "paper" is a noncount noun in the sence of "material". It can be a count noun in the sense of "a (scientific) article". Thus, "I want a paper" can mean "I want to obtain a scientific publication, an aricle". If you want it to mean "I want a rectangular sheet or a piece of wood-based white material", you would say "I want a (sheet, piece) of paper". – CowperKettle Nov 21 '15 at 16:25
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    Could you please tell us the context this sentence appeared in? –  Nov 21 '15 at 16:33
  • @snailboat - To write an information during phone conversation. – Vibhu Nov 21 '15 at 16:37
  • @snailboat : Yes, it is said by a non-native speaker. – Vibhu Nov 21 '15 at 16:39
  • @CopperKettle- Thanks. It depends on the usage of word "paper" in the given sentence. Isn't it? – Vibhu Nov 21 '15 at 16:43
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    Yes, Vibhu. "Paper" is a multiple-sense word. When you use it in the structure "piece of paper", it's a mass noun. – CowperKettle Nov 21 '15 at 17:09

1 Answers1

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The word paper is considered to be an uncountable noun when it refers to the thin material that you use for writing, printing, drawing on, or wrapping things. If you refer to a single sheet of paper, you call it a sheet of paper or, if it's small, a piece of paper.

However, it's a countable noun when it has some information written on it or when it means a newspaper.

Khan
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