a glass of

USAGE SUMMARY

The construction "a glass of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific example of a beverage, such as "I would like a glass of water, please."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A glass of wine".

The New Yorker

And a glass of wine.

The New York Times

And a glass of milk.

The New York Times

She's a glass of grenache.

The New York Times - Food

Not a glass of retsina.

The New York Times

Drink a glass of wine.

The New York Times

And a glass of rosé.

The New York Times

"Maybe a glass of Champagne".

The New York Times

He sipped from a glass of water".

The New Yorker

A glass of absinthe costs €7.50.

Independent

Sometimes there's a glass of wine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glass of" when referring to a beverage served in a glass. This phrase is universally understood and appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "a glass of" when the beverage is clearly served in a different container, such as a mug or a bottle. For example, say "a mug of coffee" rather than "a glass of coffee".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glass of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a quantifier, specifying a single serving of a liquid substance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a glass of" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a serving of a beverage in a glass. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from news articles to informal conversations. When using the phrase, ensure the beverage is indeed served in a glass, and consider alternatives like "a cup of" or "a serving of" for different containers or levels of formality. With its neutral register and high frequency, "a glass of" is a reliable choice for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cup of

Refers to a similar quantity, but specifically in a cup rather than a glass.

a serving of

Indicates a portion of a drink, but less specific to the type of container.

a portion of

Similar to "a serving of", but can be applied to both liquid and solid items.

a tumbler of

Specifies a type of glass, usually short and wide.

a measure of

More formal, often used in recipes or when specifying precise amounts.

a bottle of

Refers to a drink served in a bottle.

a mug of

Refers to a drink served in a mug.

a dose of

Implies a measured amount, often used for medicine or metaphorical contexts.

a can of

Implies a drink contained in a can.

a taste of

Implies a small amount of a drink.

FAQs

What beverages are commonly served in "a glass of"?

Many beverages are served in a glass, including water, wine, milk, juice, and soda. The specific beverage often depends on the context and personal preference.

What can I say instead of "a glass of" if I want to be more formal?

In more formal contexts, you could say "a serving of" or "a portion of", though "a glass of" remains perfectly acceptable in most situations.

Is it correct to say "a glass of water" or should I use another phrase?

"A glass of water" is perfectly correct and commonly used. There's no need to use an alternative phrase unless you're aiming for a specific tone or level of formality.

What is the difference between "a cup of" and "a glass of"?

The main difference lies in the container. "A cup of" refers to a beverage served in a cup, often hot beverages like coffee or tea, while "a glass of" refers to a beverage served in a glass, which can be hot or cold.