a small container of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small container of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the size and type of a container that holds a specific substance or item. Example: "She handed me a small container of salt to season the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

A small container of juice.

The New York Times

In spring, buy root ginger, plant a "finger" in a small container of compost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bruno sat between Zora and Ira, and together they passed a small container of popcorn back and forth.

The New Yorker

Her boat took on water, right up to her hands, which were holding onto a small container of condensed milk.

The New York Times - Sports

A small container of spicy chicken with peanuts from Panda Express chalks up 1,428 calories and even the vegetable fried rice has 717, Ms. Litt reported.

The New York Times - Health

They are crisp, well-seasoned, greaseless and accompanied by a small container of mayonnaise, the condiment of choice for pommes frites in Europe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Now a US citizen, she fled civil war in El Salvador aged 23 and crossed the US southern border smuggled inside a small container on the back of a truck.

The Guardian

Most modern mikva'ot use chlorinated water as their main supply, with a communicating tube to a smaller container of rain water, which is turned on just before someone enters the pool.

The New York Times

For $3.49 you get a small container full of tots smothered in a mixture of cheese sauce and melted cheddar cheese, chili and squares of diced hot white onion.

Los Angeles Times

Keep them in a small container full of cool dirt - Tupperware works well.

WikiHow

In accordance with his dying wishes, Nasa has attached a small container – with some of his ashes inside – to New Horizons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the contents, be specific about both the size of the "container" and the nature of what it holds to provide a clear picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms like "stuff" or "things" to describe the contents of the "container". Opt for precise nouns to enhance clarity and provide better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small container of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun or verb by providing information about quantity or containment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small container of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the vessel and the quantity of its contents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. Remember to be specific with your descriptions and consider alternatives to enhance clarity. While very common, avoid overly general descriptions of the contents. Consider related phrases such as "a little pot of" or "a miniature receptacle of" for more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a miniature receptacle of

Replaces "container" with a more formal and descriptive noun, and replaces "small" with another synonym.

a little pot of

Substitutes "container" with "pot", implying a rounder, often ceramic vessel. Also, replaces "small" with another synonym.

a tiny tub of

Replaces "container" with "tub", suggesting a wider, shallower vessel. Also, replaces "small" with another synonym.

a compact case of

Substitutes "container" with "case", implying a more structured and protective enclosure. Also, implies an organized carrying of items.

a modest amount of

Shifts the focus from the container itself to the quantity of the contents.

a limited supply of

Highlights the finite quantity held within, rather than the physical container.

a travel-sized portion of

Emphasizes the portability and reduced quantity typical for travel.

a sample of

Indicates a very small quantity intended for testing or trying.

a trace of

Signifies an extremely small, almost undetectable amount.

a measured dose of

Implies a precise quantity, often for medicinal or scientific purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "a small container of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small container of" to describe holding a substance. For example, "She packed "a small container of" moisturizer for her trip".

What are some alternatives to "a small container of"?

Alternatives include "a little pot of", "a tiny tub of", or "a miniature receptacle of", depending on the context and the type of container you want to describe.

Is it better to say "a small container of" or "some contents in a small container"?

"A small container of" is more concise and direct. "Some contents in a small container" is grammatically correct but less efficient. The better option depends on the desired level of emphasis and detail.

What kind of nouns usually follow "a small container of"?

Typically, mass nouns or plural nouns follow "a small container of", such as "a small container of juice", "a small container of coins", or "a small container of spices".