a box of tissues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a box of tissues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a container that holds tissues, often in contexts related to illness, emotions, or cleanliness. Example: "After hearing the sad news, I reached for a box of tissues to wipe my tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A box of tissues was nearby.

The New Yorker

I flipped a box of tissues in his direction.

The New York Times

Then she left us with a box of tissues.

The New York Times

A box of tissues lay next to each phone.

The New York Times

She got a box of tissues and continued talking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Razvi pushed a box of tissues across his desk.

The New Yorker

I grabbed a box of tissues and set them in front of her.

The New York Times - Health

Barsky handed her a box of tissues, and gave her a few minutes to compose herself.

The New Yorker

Inside the room, a table held a box of tissues and a pitcher of water.

The New York Times

A box of tissues is on her desk at all times.

The New York Times

"He told us to keep a box of tissues nearby," Ms. Stevens said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, using "a box of tissues" can effectively convey a character's emotional state or the atmosphere of a scene. For example, "She reached for "a box of tissues", her eyes red and swollen."

Common error

Avoid mentioning "a box of tissues" unnecessarily in descriptive passages if it doesn't significantly contribute to the scene's meaning or character development. Focus on showing emotions rather than stating the presence of tissues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a box of tissues" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a box of tissues" is a common and grammatically sound phrase typically used to denote comfort, emotional situations, or illness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, with News & Media being the most frequent. When using the phrase, consider its connotations and relevance to the overall message. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity. Alternatives like "tissue box" or "pack of tissues" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tissue box

Reorders the words, implying the same item but with a slightly different emphasis.

tissue container

Replaces "box" with a more generic term for a container.

facial tissue dispenser

Offers a more descriptive and formal term for the container holding tissues.

pack of tissues

Refers to a smaller, often travel-sized, quantity of tissues.

Kleenex box

Uses a common brand name to refer to a box of tissues.

supply of tissues

Focuses on the quantity of tissues available, rather than the container.

stack of tissues

Implies the tissues are not necessarily in a box but are piled together.

handkerchief

Implies a reusable cloth for similar purposes, rather than disposable tissues.

facial wipes

Suggests pre-moistened wipes for cleaning the face, similar to tissues.

roll of paper towels

Offers a more robust paper product for cleaning, distinct from tissues.

FAQs

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

You can use "a box of tissues" to describe a setting, like, "There was a box of tissues on the table", or to show someone's reaction to something, such as, "She grabbed a box of tissues to wipe her tears".

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

Alternatives include "tissue box", "pack of tissues", or "facial tissue dispenser", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "a box of tissues", or can I just say "tissues"?

While you can say "tissues", specifying "a box of tissues" emphasizes the presence of a readily available supply, often implying emotional distress or illness.

When is it appropriate to mention "a box of tissues" in writing?

It's appropriate when the presence of tissues is relevant to the scene, such as in a doctor's office, a therapy session, or during a moment of sadness or illness.