a box of sweets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a box of sweets" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a container filled with various types of candies or chocolates, often given as a gift or treat. Example: "For her birthday, I bought her a box of sweets filled with her favorite chocolates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

We gave them a box of sweets and sprawled on the woven rugs and cushions around a central fire pit.

The Guardian - Travel

He tries to tempt these pests to their destruction for several nights in a row, putting a box of sweets in his bureau and surrounding it with insecticide.

The New Yorker

Many reacted to the details of her final moments, like the capped syringe found hidden in a box of sweets by her body, with disbelief.

Independent

Her protagonist Paloma, 14, wonders at one point whether there will be a bottle of vodka or a box of sweets on offer when she arrives at the house of the boy she's in love with.

Independent

Drug paraphernalia, including tights, spoons, a capped syringe  - which was found hidden in a box of sweets by her body -  and resin from heroin were all recovered from the scene.

Independent

These photographs, taken last month, show a world where Mr. bin Laden has also become a marketing tool -- for cologne in Pakistan, for a box of sweets in Afghanistan -- and where hawkers do roaring trade in Osama T-shirts and Osama posters and Osama key-rings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A box of sweet, orange-scented little Chamonix cakes is given to diners as they leave: a sweet touch.

Independent

Carré Rive Gauche St Germain-des-Prés offers a box of streets (and sweets) roughly bounded by rues de l'Universite, St Pères, du Bac and quai Voltaire, just an easel throw from the D'Orsay.

The Guardian - Travel

The first days had been busy with friends coming to say goodbye, all bringing presents for Edward to take out to the front – warm, lined gloves, a fountain pen, a box of favourite sweets, books.

Independent

Wilson's name was released in conjunction with a set of images, disturbing ones, that seem to show Brown, or someone who looks like him, towering over and striking a smaller man in a convenience store; he and another young man take a box of Swisher Sweets cigars, and leave without paying.

The New Yorker

According to the police report, Brown stole a box of Swisher Sweets and "forcefully pushed [the cashier] back in to a display rack" as he left.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving "a box of sweets" as a gift, consider the recipient's preferences and dietary restrictions to ensure the gift is well-received and appropriate.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "boxes of sweets" are universally appreciated; cultural and personal preferences for flavors and textures vary widely. Be mindful of these differences when selecting the contents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a box of sweets" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a direct object or a subject complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a box of sweets" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood phrase used to describe a container filled with sugary treats. As determined by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, ranging from informal gift-giving to neutral descriptions in news media. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase is readily understood and evokes associations with joy and indulgence. Related phrases like "a box of chocolates" or "a package of treats" may be substituted depending on the desired level of specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a box of chocolates

Replaces general sweets with a specific type of confection, focusing on chocolate.

a selection of candies

Emphasizes variety within the sweet collection, using a different term for sweets.

a candy assortment

Focuses on the mixed nature of the sweets, using 'assortment' to highlight the variety.

a package of treats

Broadens the category from sweets to treats, which could include non-sweet items.

a tin of biscuits

Substitutes sweets with biscuits and changes the container to a tin.

a hamper of confectionery

Replaces 'box' with 'hamper' indicating a larger, often more elaborate, collection and uses the formal term 'confectionery'.

a bag of goodies

Changes the container to 'bag' and uses the informal term 'goodies' for sweets.

a case of desserts

Broadens the scope to desserts, which may include items beyond just sweets and alters the container.

a supply of sugary snacks

Shifts focus to the sugary aspect and uses 'snacks' instead of sweets, indicating a less formal context.

a pile of sweetmeats

Uses a more archaic term, 'sweetmeats', and implies a less organized arrangement than a box.

FAQs

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

"A box of sweets" is typically used to describe a container filled with candy or sugary treats. For example, "She brought "a box of sweets" to the party as a gift for the host."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a box of chocolates", "a selection of candies", or "a package of treats".

Is it more appropriate to say "a box of sweets" or "a box of candy"?

Both "a box of sweets" and "a box of candy" are correct and widely understood. "Sweets" is more common in British English, while "candy" is more common in American English. The best choice depends on your audience.

What's the difference between "a box of sweets" and "a box of pastries"?

"A box of sweets" generally refers to a collection of candies, chocolates, or other sugary confections. "A box of pastries", on the other hand, contains baked goods like croissants, muffins, or danishes.