a pack of gum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pack of gum" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a quantity of chewing gum that is packaged together. Example: "I stopped by the store to buy a pack of gum for the road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He stopped for a pack of gum.

The New York Times

He brought out a pack of gum.

The New Yorker

Or, maybe you snagged a pack of gum without paying.

The New York Times

Clem takes a pack of gum, looks at it, and then puts it in his pocket.

The New Yorker

He eats with us and we buy a pack of gum.

The Guardian - Travel

"I don't care if it's a pack of gum," he said.

The New York Times

I made mine out of a pintail comb and a pack of gum".

The Guardian - Music

Red says no, but he'll keep the nickel Charlie tells him to buy a pack of gum.

The New Yorker

Its core -- smaller than a pack of gum -- plugs directly into a U.S.B. port and acts as an additional drive.

The New York Times - Tech

"One time, in Geneva, I took a thousand-Swiss-franc note and bought a pack of gum.

The New Yorker

The device is about as big as a pack of gum and has a single button that turns it on and off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pack of gum" as a relatable benchmark to describe the size of something, making it easier for readers to visualize.

Common error

While "a pack of gum" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation and general writing, avoid using it in highly formal or academic contexts where more precise or professional language is expected. In these situations, consider rephrasing to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pack of gum" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various sentence structures, confirming its role as a common noun referring to a specific quantity of chewing gum. It can also act as a point of comparison for size.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

TechCrunch

10%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the query phrase "a pack of gum" is a common noun phrase generally used to refer to chewing gum but also, more in general, as an example of something trivial. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, most notably News & Media, and often serves as a simple, relatable example in broader discussions. When aiming for precision in formal writing or for scientific purposes, consider a more specific, proper and professional word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chewing gum

Simplifies the phrase by referring to the product without specifying its packaging.

some chewing gum

Replaces the more specific "pack" with a general term.

a chewing gum packet

Specifies the type of packet containing gum.

some chewing gum

More general way of saying gum.

a box of chewing gum

Uses "box" instead of "pack" to describe the container.

a stick of chewing gum

Refers to a single unit instead of the whole package.

a Wrigley's pack

Uses a specific brand name to refer to a chewing gum package.

a pack of mints

Substitutes gum with another product in similar packaging.

a small confection

Replaces the familiar "pack of gum" with a more abstract and unusual description.

breath fresheners

Describes gum by its primary function, breath refreshment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pack of gum" in a variety of contexts, such as "He bought "a pack of gum" at the corner store" or "The device is about the size of "a pack of gum"".

What are some alternatives to saying "a pack of gum"?

Alternatives include "some chewing gum", "a chewing gum packet", or simply "chewing gum", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a chewing gum pack" instead of "a pack of gum"?

While "a chewing gum pack" is understandable, ""a pack of gum"" is the more common and natural phrasing.

Can I use "a pack of gum" metaphorically?

Yes, you can use ""a pack of gum"" metaphorically to describe something small and insignificant, or to represent a trivial expense.