a kilogram

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a kilogram" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a unit of mass in various contexts, such as cooking, science, or weight measurement. Example: "The recipe calls for a kilogram of flour to make the bread."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A kilogram is 2.2 pounds).

The New York Times

"Onions cost 80 rupees a kilogram.

The New York Times

Does a kilogram not weigh just that, a kilogram?

The Economist

Economics- How much is a kilogram "worth"?

The New York Times

A kilogram of pasta requires 1,850 liters of water.

The Guardian

A kilogram of rice now costs around $250£17070) there.

The Guardian

Mr Singh's stall sells tomatoes at 50 rupees a kilogram.

The Economist

Officers discovered a kilogram of cocaine hidden under the dashboard.

The New York Times

At birth a cub weighs less than a kilogram.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Spotted and born blind, each weighs about half a kilogram.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A kilogram of meat is $15," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about weights, consider your audience. If they are more familiar with the imperial system, provide a conversion (e.g., "a kilogram (2.2 pounds)") for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid informal abbreviations like "a kg" in formal writing. Use "a kilogram" or "one kilogram" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kilogram" functions primarily as a noun phrase, representing a unit of mass in the metric system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound, and examples show it used to specify quantities of goods, ingredients, or substances. For instance, "a kilogram of rice" or "a kilogram of cocaine".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a kilogram" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to quantify mass, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is appropriate for various contexts, from formal scientific reports to informal news articles. For better communication, especially with audiences unfamiliar with the metric system, consider providing conversions to imperial units, such as pounds. While abbreviations like "a kg" might be tempting, it's best to avoid them in formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism. Key sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

One kilogram

Replaces the article "a" with the numeral "one" for emphasis or clarity.

2.2 pounds

Converts the measurement to its approximate equivalent in pounds.

A kilo

Uses the abbreviated form "kilo" for "kilogram".

One thousand grams

Expresses the quantity in grams instead of kilograms.

A unit of 1000 grams

More descriptive way to represent a kilogram.

Approximately 35 ounces

Converts the measurement to its approximate equivalent in ounces.

A mass of 1 kg

Specifies that kilogram is a measure of mass.

Slightly more than 35 ounces

Expresses the weight with slightly more approximation.

A weight of 1000 grams

States that kilogram is a measure of weight.

A metric unit of mass

Highlights the fact that the kilogram is a metric unit.

FAQs

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

You can use "a kilogram" when referring to a unit of mass in various contexts, such as cooking, science, or weight measurement. For example, "The recipe calls for "a kilogram" of flour to make the bread."

What is the difference between "a kilogram" and "one kilogram"?

Both "a kilogram" and "one kilogram" refer to the same unit of mass. "A kilogram" is more common in general usage, while "one kilogram" may be used for emphasis or in technical contexts.

What can I say instead of "a kilogram"?

You can use alternatives like "a kilo", "2.2 pounds", or "one thousand grams" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a kilograms" instead of "a kilogram"?

No, "a kilograms" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""a kilogram"" when referring to a single unit of mass. "Kilograms" is used for plural amounts (e.g., "two kilograms").