a box of cereal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a box of cereal" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to a container or package of cereal. It is a simple and concise way to describe a specific quantity or type of cereal. Example: "I opened a box of cereal for breakfast this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Like a box of cereal," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How much is a box of cereal?

The Guardian - Business

"I would eat half a box of cereal and a gallon of ice cream.

The New York Times

A box of cereal was tucked into position on the counter.

The New Yorker

Moses: What about the time she gave the guy outside Whole Foods a box of cereal?

The New Yorker

Operator said the machine used a box of cereal a minute.

The New Yorker

"For Americans it may mean a few extra cents for a box of cereal," she said.

The New York Times - Science

Enough to eat a box of cereal before it goes stale.

The New York Times

And another centers around two brothers and a box of cereal.

The New York Times

So are the cops, and Sev, carrying a box of cereal, accidentally bumps into one of them.

The New Yorker

Works for endorsements too: put the logo on a box of cereal and somehow the cereal tastes like those emotions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a box of cereal" to depict everyday, mundane situations, contrasting it with more complex or extraordinary events to highlight the ordinary nature of the scene.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone interprets serving sizes on a "box of cereal" the same way; individual consumption can vary greatly, affecting nutritional intake and overall cost per serving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a box of cereal" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to refer to a specific quantity or package of cereal. It acts as a direct object, subject, or object of a preposition in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a box of cereal" is a very common noun phrase used to refer to a package of cereal. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, especially in news and media. It commonly serves as a relatable reference point in discussions about food prices and everyday life. While the phrase is generally neutral, understanding common errors, such as misunderstanding serving sizes, can enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cereal package

Similar meaning, using "package" as a synonym for "box".

unopened cereal box

Similar to "sealed cereal box", describing the condition of the box.

carton of cereal

"Carton" is used instead of "box", indicating a slight variation in container type.

cereal container

Refers to the item by its physical attributes, focusing on the container itself.

breakfast cereal

Focuses on the purpose of the cereal as a breakfast item, omitting the container.

cereal product

More general term, referring to the cereal as a product, not specifically the container.

family-size cereal

Specifies the size of the cereal box, implying a larger quantity.

individual cereal box

Specifies the size of the cereal box, implying a small quantity.

sealed cereal box

Focuses on the state of the cereal box.

breakfast food

Broader term, encompassing various foods consumed for breakfast, not just cereal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a box of cereal" to describe a common breakfast item, as in, "I bought "a box of cereal" at the grocery store this morning." or to illustrate a simple purchase, like, "Even "a box of cereal" has become expensive."

What are some alternatives to saying "a box of cereal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cereal package", "breakfast cereal", or "carton of cereal".

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

While "a cereal box" is understandable, ""a box of cereal"" is more common and natural-sounding. "A cereal box" typically refers to the empty container.

What does the price of "a box of cereal" often represent in economic discussions?

The price of ""a box of cereal"" is often used as a simple and relatable indicator of food price inflation and the cost of living.