While both "piece" and "fragment" refer to a part of something larger, there's a subtle difference in their usage. "Piece" generally implies a part that is relatively complete or self-contained, while "fragment" suggests a part that is incomplete or broken off. Think of a "piece" of cake – it's a slice, a serving. A "fragment" of a vase, on the other hand, might be a small, irregular shard. The size isn't the only factor; the completeness is key.

Let's look at some examples:

• Example 1: "He ate a piece of pizza." (He ate a slice of pizza.)
• Example 2: "She found a fragment of ancient pottery." (She found a broken piece of ancient pottery.)
• Example 3: "I read a piece of the newspaper." (I read a section of the newspaper.)
• Example 4: "The shattered window left only fragments of glass." (The broken window left only small, irregular pieces of glass.)

Notice that in examples 1 and 3, "piece" suggests a relatively intact and usable portion. In examples 2 and 4, "fragment" implies something broken, incomplete, or irregular. Sometimes, the words can be interchangeable, but paying attention to the context and the implied completeness will help you choose the best word.

Happy learning!