a white piece of paper or a piece of white paper

[xupeng66]

Hi All,

Here is a question that has bothered me for quite a long time. Should I say 'a white piece of paper' or 'a piece of white paper'? Are both expressions correct but having different meanings or only one of them is right?

Thanks!

 

[MikeNewYork]

Normally, I would say "a piece of white paper". "White" is more closely associated with "paper" than "piece" is.

 

[Skrej]

I'd be more likely to use the first version to stress that I needed white paper, and not some other color.