On the cob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "On the cob" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe food, particularly corn, that is served still attached to the cob. Example: "We enjoyed a delicious summer barbecue with grilled corn on the cob as a side dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I Spent Thanksgiving at a Native American Casinordered

Vice

Corn on the cob?

The New York Times - Food

Corn on the cob? "No, cream corn.

The New York Times - Sports

And corn on the cob!

The New York Times

"People cook corn on the cob and lobster.

The New York Times

The corn on the cob remained in place.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

If varmint cannot be restrained with tongs and corn-on-the-cob holders, stand on it.

The New Yorker

(The latter is worth ordering for the side of on-the-cob "street corn" alone).

The New Yorker

You do not do this with corn-on-the-cob.

Huffington Post

We shared combines, callouses, conversation and corn-on-the-cob at the harvest supper.

Huffington Post

Then, just cut off sections of the mango around the corn-on-the-cob holder.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase "on the cob" with descriptive adjectives to enhance sensory details. For example, describe "grilled corn on the cob" or "sweet corn on the cob" to emphasize flavor and preparation methods.

Common error

Avoid using "on the cob" when referring to processed corn products like canned corn or cornmeal. This phrase is specifically for corn served in its natural, attached state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the cob" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically "corn". It specifies the state or presentation of the corn, indicating it is served with the kernels attached to the cob. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the cob" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe corn served with its kernels attached to the cob. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently found in neutral contexts like news articles and lifestyle content, making it appropriate for diverse communications. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the natural presentation of corn, differentiating it from processed or kernel-removed versions. Remember to enhance your descriptions with adjectives to create more vivid and engaging content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Served on the ear

Replaces "cob" with "ear", another term for the part of the corn plant that is eaten.

Attached to the cob

More explicitly states the corn remains connected to its central core.

Sweet corn on the cob

Specifies the type of corn being served in this manner.

Corn cobs

Plural form referring to multiple instances of corn served this way.

Whole corn

Implies the corn is intact and not removed from the cob.

With the husk

Focuses on the outer covering of the corn, rather than the central core.

Kernels on the cob

Highlights the edible part of the corn still on the core.

Freshly picked corn

Highlights the freshness of the corn, implying it's recently harvested and served.

On the stalk

Describes corn in its original growing state, though less common for serving.

Unshucked corn

Indicates the corn is served with its outer layers still intact.

FAQs

How can I use "on the cob" in a sentence?

You can say, "We enjoyed fresh corn "on the cob" at the summer barbecue" or "The restaurant serves grilled corn "on the cob" as a side dish."

What is the difference between "on the cob" and "off the cob"?

"On the cob" means the corn kernels are still attached to the central core, while "off the cob" means the kernels have been removed.

Is it correct to say "corn on the ear" instead of "corn on the cob"?

Yes, "corn on the ear" is a valid alternative, though "corn "on the cob"" is more commonly used in contemporary English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "on the cob"?

Use ""on the cob"" when you want to specify that the corn is served with the kernels still attached to the central core, particularly in culinary or agricultural contexts.