One is the absence of conflict or a calm state; the other is a portion or fragment of something.
Noun. A state of calm, harmony, or freedom from war and conflict.
The peace agreement ended decades of conflict.
I just need some peace and quiet to focus.
She finally found peace after therapy.
Noun. A part or portion of something larger. Also a work of art or music.
Can I have a piece of that chocolate cake?
The missing piece of the puzzle was under the sofa.
This piano piece was composed in the 1800s.
Common mistake
Writing 'peace' for a fragment: "Give me a peace of paper" (correct: piece). Or 'piece' for calmness: "I need some piece and quiet" (correct: peace and quiet).
Trick to remember it
'Piece' contains the word 'pie'. You can have a piece of pie. 'Peace' contains 'ace', and the great peacemakers are the aces of diplomacy.
Quick rule
'Piece' goes with 'a piece of' (a portion). 'Peace' goes with 'peace and quiet' (calm).
Did you know?
The phrase 'Rest in Peace' (RIP) uses 'peace' correctly. The Latin abbreviation R.I.P. stands for 'Requiescat in Pace'. A very common mistake is writing it as 'Rest in Piece'.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Could you cut me a _____ of that bread? It smells amazing.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
After the long negotiation, both sides finally agreed to a _____ treaty.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
'Piece' goes with 'a piece of' (a portion). 'Peace' goes with 'peace and quiet' (calm).
Writing 'peace' for a fragment: "Give me a peace of paper" (correct: piece). Or 'piece' for calmness: "I need some piece and quiet" (correct: peace and quiet).
'Piece' contains the word 'pie'. You can have a piece of pie. 'Peace' contains 'ace', and the great peacemakers are the aces of diplomacy.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy