a crate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crate of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a container or box that holds a specific quantity of items, often used for shipping or storage. Example: "We received a crate of fresh oranges from the farm this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A crate of oranges......

The New Yorker

Voice like a crate of breaking glass.

Independent

"He owes Mark Reckless a crate of champagne.

Independent

"It is easier to bring a crate of heads into California than a crate of apples.

The New York Times

More energy than a crate of Red Bull.

Independent

Smith carried a crate of oysters into the restaurant.

The New Yorker

They found a crate of Krazy Glue, only slightly depleted.

The New York Times

"I gave them a crate of beer for their efforts".

The New York Times

Another man, seemingly conflicted, sprinted, then turned back briefly to snatch a crate of bottled water.

The New York Times

Later, the Demmes received a crate of 75 tennis balls and the haiku.

The New York Times

You know the sort of thing: What do you call a crate of ducks?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about transportation or storage, use "a crate of" to emphasize the physical container, particularly if it's a sturdy, slatted box.

Common error

Avoid using "a crate of" for items that are not typically stored in crates, such as liquids or very small objects that would normally be in bottles or bags. For instance, "a crate of water" is less appropriate than "a case of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crate of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a quantity or collection of items contained within a crate. The word 'a' is a determiner, 'crate' is a noun, and 'of' functions as a preposition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crate of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the contents of a crate. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When considering usage, remember that a crate typically implies a sturdy, slatted container. Alternatives like "a box of" or "a case of" may be more appropriate depending on the specific container and contents being described. Using "a crate of" correctly adds clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a box of

Replaces "crate" with "box", a more general term for a container, implying less emphasis on the structural integrity.

a case of

Substitutes "crate" with "case", suggesting a container designed for portability and protection.

a container of

Employs "container" as a broader term, suitable for liquids or granular materials, unlike the specific structure implied by "crate".

a batch of

Replaces "crate" implying a collection or set of items, often produced or handled together.

a shipment of

Shifts focus to the act of transporting items, rather than the container itself.

a load of

Implies a substantial quantity, often suggesting heaviness or volume.

a supply of

Emphasizes the availability of resources, rather than their physical containment.

a collection of

Highlights the act of gathering or assembling items, shifting away from the container.

an assortment of

Suggests a variety of different items, where the container is less relevant.

a consignment of

Focuses on the commercial aspect of delivering goods, where the type of container is secondary.

FAQs

How is "a crate of" used in a sentence?

Use "a crate of" to describe the contents of a crate. For example, "The dockworkers loaded "a crate of oranges" onto the ship."

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

While both refer to containers, "a box of" is more general. "A crate of" suggests a sturdier, often slatted, container, suitable for heavier or more fragile items.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a box of", "a case of", or "a container of".

When is it appropriate to use "a crate of"?

Use "a crate of" when you want to emphasize that the items are packed in a sturdy, often wooden, slatted box designed for transportation or storage.