a box of items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a box of items" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a container that holds various objects or products. Example: "I found a box of items in the attic that I hadn't seen in years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Other times, Mr. Temeczko would bring a box of items to Mr. Carlson and urge him to buy it.

The New York Times

He had seen shoppers snap up goods from a box of items with damaged packaging all priced at 10p.

The Guardian - Business

But he also keeps in his office a box of items that remind him, and the screeners who work for him, that their job is not just dealing with a vacationer who forgot he was carrying his grandfather's pocket knife.

The New York Times

8 P.M. (NBC) WHITNEY Whitney (Whitney Cummings) finds a box of items that once belonged to an old girlfriend of Alex's and wants to know why Alex Chris D'Eliaa) is still holding onto it.

The New York Times

After his death, a friend of Hasina Patel handed police a box of items left behind by Khan.

BBC

Grief stricken, Matilda finds a box of items on her deceased mother's bed relating to Carys Howell, a young girl who went missing from a small Welsh village over twenty years ago.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In the latest episode, Bob and Colin peer inside a box of Donald Trump-themed items that are both ridiculous and sublime.

The New Yorker

Amazon Pantry is a nationwide service that allows shoppers to build up a box of grocery items for delivery the next day.

The Guardian - Business

The cost of a flagship scheme to give the parent of every newborn baby in Scotland a box of useful items has spiralled by almost 50percentnt.

The Times

He said the "incendiary device" went off at the Goodwill store when an employee handled two old military devices left in a box of donated items.

The Washington Post

That followed the expansion of the Amazon Pantry service, which enables shoppers to fill a box of grocery items from a range of 4,000 household products, including big brands such as Kellogg's, Ariel, Colgate and Kronenbourg.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the contents, be specific. Instead of just "a box of items", mention what kind of items are inside, such as "a box of holiday decorations" or "a box of old photographs".

Common error

Don't use "a box of items" when you can provide more specific and engaging details. For instance, instead of saying someone found "a box of items" in the attic, specify if it was "a box of vintage postcards" or "a box of childhood toys".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a box of items" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing contents found, donated, or shipped.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a box of items" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a container holding various objects. Ludwig AI indicates it's suitable for neutral contexts like news reports and general descriptions. While versatile, providing more specific details about the items inside the box will usually improve clarity and engagement. Related phrases include "a container of goods" and "a package of objects", each with subtle differences in emphasis. When writing, avoid vagueness by specifying what kind of items are in the box to enhance the reader's understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a container of goods

Emphasizes the commercial or transactional aspect of the items.

a package of objects

Highlights the packaging aspect and the discrete nature of the contents.

a collection of articles

Suggests a curated or deliberately assembled group of items.

a set of things

Uses more general terms to describe the contents, suitable for various contexts.

a case of products

Implies a commercial context, typically involving manufactured goods.

a crate of supplies

Suggests that the items are intended for a specific purpose, like provisioning.

an assortment of goods

Focuses on the variety of different items within the box.

a bundle of possessions

Indicates a collection of personal belongings.

a carton of merchandise

Specifically refers to items meant for sale or trade.

a parcel of commodities

Implies a larger scale of trade or distribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a box of items" to describe a container holding various objects, such as, "She found "a box of items" in the attic that belonged to her grandmother".

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

You can use alternatives like "a container of goods", "a package of objects", or "a collection of articles" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a box of items" or "a box with items"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a box of items" is more common. "A box with items" might imply that the items are somehow attached to or integrated with the box, rather than simply contained within it.

What's the difference between "a box of items" and "a box full of items"?

"A box of items" simply means that the box contains some items. "A box full of items" implies that the box is completely filled with items, without any space left.