on paper vs on a paper

The correct phrase is 'on paper.' 'On paper' is a common English expression used to describe something that seems good or logical in theory, but may not work as well in reality. 'On a paper' is not a standard phrase in English.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1516 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"on paper"

The phrase 'on paper' is used to describe something that seems good or logical in theory, but may not work as well in reality.

Examples:

On paper, the plan looks perfect, but we'll have to see how it works in practice.
The idea seemed great on paper, but it was much harder to implement.
On paper, the team looked strong, but they struggled during the game.
The proposal sounded good on paper, but it lacked practicality.
The project seemed feasible on paper, but there were many unforeseen challenges.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your boy's squeaky clean on paper.
Your legitimate businesses are worthless on paper.
Applications submitted on paper shall be in triplicate.
This marriage is strictly on paper.
It may be communicated on paper or electronically.
The consumer may in any event request that the information be provided on paper.
We all have bigger salaries on paper.
In your heart, not on paper.
Not collateral on paper, but character.
You can't put love on paper.
Secondly, it is based on an institutional equilibrium between large and small must not be just on paper.
Ha. That all seemed funnier on paper.
You understand, on paper, we had nothing in common.
Now I've got nothing on paper on you guys.
You know, it was so good on paper.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a formal commitment, not just words on paper.
No vote. Nothing's on paper.
The Commission publishes its documents on paper and in electronic form.
Promoters must submit their proposals on paper, duly signed by their legal representative.
Before you, I only dated guys that looked good on paper.

This phrase is not a standard expression in English.

"on a paper"

Show examples from the web [+]

I have a presentation I have to give tomorrow on a paper I didn't even write called Superman's Brother.
Lonnie, write your cell phone number down on a paper.
I'm just a name on a paper.
Consultation is best carried out if it is based on a paper that analyses the problem at hand, and that is precisely what the Commission is doing.
Mr President, Mr Sjöstedt, I do not think it is very sensible for us to enter into discussion on a paper that is not even officially before us, and in which the positions of the other Member States have only just been included.
Spag bol on a paper plate.
Your father planned it on a paper.
I'm checking the status on a paper that was circulated by a staffer here.
He's working on a paper about nano vacuum tubes, and wants to know if I'd take a look at it.
I've never gotten lower than an "A" on a paper before.
When the inspection report is established manually on a paper format, it shall be legible, indelible and clearly recorded.
This is data that would not be found on a paper trail or in any formal financial record.
I would like to request that Commissioner Lamy makes an emergency statement to this House as to why he is avoiding parliamentary scrutiny on a paper known as "everything but arms".
I got a C on a paper I did on Billy Budd.
Alice, let mum write on a paper and then come, OK?
Is the knife resting on a paper bag?
When did you send my mom notes on a paper?
When did you send my mom notes on a paper?
For the purposes of implementing Article 353(2)(b), the guarantor shall issue the principal with individual guarantee vouchers drawn up on a paper form corresponding to the specimen in Annex 54, including the identification number.
And he gives a name on a paper that's not in his handwriting to the front counter, and a frail old man is being wheeled to see him now, a man who's been here for over ten years but rarely had a visitor.

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on paper vs on a paper

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