a can of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a can of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a container of something, typically a food or drink item. For example, "I grabbed a can of cola from the fridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A: Can of worms!

The New York Times

A can of paint.

The New York Times

He offered me a can of Coke.

Independent

Democratisation might open a can of worms.

The Economist

It's really a can of worms.

The New York Times - Sports

Why open a can of worms?

Independent

A can of pop.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We fed them a can of spaghetti".

The New York Times

It might open a can of worms.

The New York Times - Sports

One held a can of gasoline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lunch today was a can of corn and a can of peas mixed together.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a can of", ensure the context clearly indicates the contents. For example, "a can of soup" is more descriptive than simply "a can".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the contents when using "a can of". For instance, instead of saying "I opened a can", specify "I opened a can of beans" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a can of" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the type of container and its contents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to refer to items packaged in cans, like "a can of soda" or "a can of soup".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a can of" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to items packaged in cans. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki. While primarily neutral in register, it's essential to specify the contents to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases, such as "a tin of" or "a bottle of", can be used to provide more specific descriptions, based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tin of

Replaces "can" with "tin", referring to the same type of container, particularly in British English.

a container of

Replaces "can" with the more general term "container", applicable to various types of receptacles.

a bottle of

Substitutes "can" with "bottle", indicating a different type of container, generally for liquids.

a jar of

Replaces "can" with "jar", suggesting a glass container, typically used for preserves or sauces.

a package of

Uses "package" instead of "can", referring to items in a wrapped or boxed container.

a carton of

Substitutes "can" with "carton", referring to a container made of cardboard or similar material, often for liquids.

a tube of

Replaces "can" with "tube", referring to a cylindrical, squeezable container, generally for pastes or creams.

a six-pack of

Specifies a quantity of six cans or bottles, usually of a beverage.

a case of

Indicates a larger quantity of cans, often referring to a bulk purchase of beverages.

a load of

Replaces the phrase with one focusing on the content instead of the content itself, like a load of food.

FAQs

What does "a can of worms" mean?

The idiom "a can of worms" refers to a situation that, when investigated or discussed, is likely to cause complications or problems.

What can I say instead of "a can of soda"?

You could use alternatives such as "a can of pop" (primarily in the Midwest) or simply specify the type of soda, like "a can of Coke".

Is it correct to say "a can of tuna" or "a can of tuna fish"?

Both are acceptable, but "a can of tuna" is more common. Adding "fish" is redundant but not grammatically incorrect.

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

You can use "a can of" to describe a container and its contents, such as "I bought "a can of paint"" or "She opened "a can of beans"".