a pan of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pan of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about a dish that is cooked in a pan, for example, "She made a pan of macaroni and cheese for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pan of brownies sat on the stove.

The New Yorker

P.S.: I had a pan of Freud, too.

The New Yorker

Put a pan of water on to boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted water to the boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bring a pan of water to a furious boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water.

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to the boil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Keep warm over a pan of simmering water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to a gentle simmer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Boil a pan of salted water and blanch the beans for a minute.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing recipes, be specific about the type of pan (e.g., baking pan, frying pan) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a pan of" when describing actions not directly related to cooking or containing something in a pan. For example, avoid saying "a pan of problems"; instead, use "a series of problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pan of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying the container used. It describes the quantity or contents held within a pan, aligning with Ludwig AI’s assessment and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pan of" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something contained or cooked in a pan. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news, lifestyle articles, and cooking contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the described item is genuinely related to a pan. Alternatives include "a pot of", "a tray of", and "a dish of", depending on the context. When writing, specify the type of pan for clarity and avoid misusing it in unrelated scenarios. Understanding its role in describing culinary and household quantities enhances clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pot of

Changes the container from a pan to a pot, suitable for liquids or items requiring depth.

a dish of

Refers to a prepared food item, often served or cooked in a specific dish.

a tray of

Emphasizes the use of a flat, open container typically used for baking or serving.

a batch of

Focuses on the quantity of items prepared at one time, suitable for cookies, brownies, etc.

a skillet of

Specifies a skillet as the cooking vessel, suitable for frying or sautéing.

a saucepan of

Identifies a saucepan as the cooking container, ideal for sauces or small quantities of liquid.

a container of

A general term for holding something, not necessarily related to cooking.

a load of

Indicates a substantial quantity, often implying a heavy or full pan.

a tin of

Specifies a tin as the container, often used for baking cakes or storing food.

a casserole of

Refers to a dish baked in a casserole dish, typically containing a mixture of ingredients.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pan of" to describe food being cooked or prepared in a pan, such as "She baked "a pan of brownies"" or "He heated "a pan of water" on the stove.

What are some alternatives to "a pan of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a pot of", "a tray of", or "a dish of".

Is it ever incorrect to use "a pan of"?

Yes, it would be incorrect if you're not actually referring to something contained or cooked in a pan. For instance, describing a collection of unrelated items as "a pan of stuff" would be grammatically odd.

What's the difference between "a pan of" and "a bowl of"?

"A pan of" generally refers to items cooked or prepared in a flat, shallow container, whereas "a bowl of" refers to items served or contained in a round, deep dish. The choice depends on the shape and purpose of the container.