a box of cards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a box of cards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a container that holds multiple cards, such as playing cards, greeting cards, or trading cards. Example: "I found a box of cards in the attic that we used to play with during family gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Chip pointed to a box of cards on a shelf.

The New Yorker

It's a box of cards I bought at Brookline Booksmith.

The New Yorker

On the CBS Building, 51 West 52nd Street, by Eero Saarinen: "It is not, like so much of today's large-scale construction, a handy commercial package, a shiny wraparound envelope, a packing case, a box of cards, a trick with mirrors.

The New York Times

It's a box of cards with inspiring quotes on them.

Huffington Post

My mother remembers that the librarian would give her a box of cards to bring up to the top floor and look at through the stereoscope.

Huffington Post

Cut a peephole in a box of cards.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Yet, on the big stage, Smith has a way of producing magic with such rare consistency, he makes David Copperfield look like your neighbor's nephew who received a box of card tricks for Christmas.

The Guardian - Sport

She isn't some low-rent tele-psychic with a box of tarot cards and a credit-card machine.

Vice

A box of 20 cards and envelopes — not monogrammed or personalized — could cost well over $100.

The New York Times

He lost a box of baseball cards that day because it started to rain, he recalled.

The Washington Post

She replied: "I have a box of index cards with decades' worth of notes, mostly idle conjecture.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a box of cards", ensure the context clarifies the type of cards (e.g., playing cards, business cards, greeting cards) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a box of cards" when a more specific term like "deck of cards" or "set of index cards" would provide clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

"A box of cards" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as evidenced by its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a box of cards" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a container holding multiple cards. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from news media to instructional guides. While versatile, clarity is key; specifying the type of cards (playing, business, etc.) enhances understanding. Alternatives such as "a deck of cards" or "a set of cards" may be more precise depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of cards

Emphasizes the collection aspect rather than the container.

a pack of cards

Similar to deck, but less specific to playing cards.

a deck of cards

Focuses specifically on playing cards.

a collection of cards

Highlights the gathering or accumulation of cards.

a container of cards

Stresses the physical containment of the cards.

an assortment of cards

Implies a variety of different types of cards.

a carton of cards

Suggests a larger quantity or more robust packaging.

a batch of cards

Indicates a group of cards produced or handled together.

a supply of cards

Highlights the availability or stock of cards.

a stack of cards

Focuses on the arrangement of the cards in a pile.

FAQs

How can I use "a box of cards" in a sentence?

You can use "a box of cards" to describe a container holding multiple cards, such as "I found "a box of cards" in the attic."

What can I say instead of "a box of cards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a deck of cards" if referring to playing cards, or "a set of cards" if referring to a collection.

Is it correct to say "a cards box" instead of "a box of cards"?

No, the correct and more common phrasing is ""a box of cards"". "A cards box" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "a box of cards" and "a stack of cards"?

"A box of cards" implies the cards are contained within a box, while "a stack of cards" means the cards are piled on top of each other.