cans of paint

USAGE SUMMARY

"cans of paint" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple containers of paint, typically made of metal or plastic and used for storing and transporting paint. Example: "The painter bought several cans of paint in different colors to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The surroundings were a delightfully creative chaos of funky, brightly painted furniture, wide tables brimming with spray cans of paint, walls festooned with whimsical wall murals, old-time fast food menu signage, and colorful artwork in various stages.

Forbes

Flummoxed by Pollock, he offers just cans of paint.

The New York Times

How many cans of paint did you go through?

The New York Times

He was sentenced to ten years in prison, on charges of smuggling seven cans of paint.

The New Yorker

Then employees used more than 150 cans of paint to give the place a face-lift.

Harvard Business Review

Perhaps if we get cans of paint thrown at our furry backs, we deserve it.

The New York Times

Cans of paint are alternating with cans of Stella in their hands.

The Guardian - Film

Cans of paint and rows of shelves need to arrive back at the Yoder home somehow.

The New York Times

There is no smell of turpentine, no haphazard array of easels, no cans of paint or stacks of used canvases.

The New York Times - Arts

He wore sneakers and work gloves, and carried a canvas bag filled with brushes and cans of paint.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Phonebooks, disposable diapers, medicine vials, half-empty cans of paint this was the stuff of Rathje's attention.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, be specific about the number and types of "cans of paint" to create a more vivid image for the reader.

Common error

Don't simply say "paint supplies" if you specifically mean "cans of paint". Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cans of paint" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to multiple containers holding paint, typically used for painting projects or artistic endeavors. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing art studios to construction sites.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cans of paint" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's primarily used to describe the materials required for painting, whether in art, construction, or DIY projects. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While grammatically simple, precise language enhances communication, suggesting the use of more descriptive synonyms like "paint containers" or "paint tins" where appropriate to add clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paint containers

Focuses on the containers themselves rather than specifying they are "cans".

paint tins

Uses "tins" as a synonym for "cans", more common in British English.

containers of paint

Reverses the structure to emphasize the "containers".

paint supply

Refers to a stock or provision of paint, implying multiple cans.

paint collection

Suggests a variety of paint types or colors in multiple "cans".

paint reserves

Emphasizes a stock available for future use

stock of paint

General term that expresses an amount of paint without specifying if it is in "cans" or not.

paint materials

Includes "cans of paint" together with other components required in painting.

painting supplies

Denotes an inventory of painting materials in general.

assortment of paint

Refers to a varied number of paint products in a range of colors and finishes.

FAQs

How can I use "cans of paint" in a sentence?

You can use "cans of paint" to describe the materials used in a project, such as, "The artist needed several "cans of paint" to complete the mural."

What is another way to say "cans of paint"?

Alternatives include "paint containers", "paint tins", or "containers of paint", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "can of paints" instead of "cans of paint"?

No, "can of paints" is grammatically incorrect. "Paints" is already plural, and "can" should agree in number, so the correct phrase is "cans of paint".

What's the difference between "cans of paint" and "paint supplies"?

"Cans of paint" refers specifically to the containers holding paint, while "paint supplies" is a broader term that includes brushes, rollers, and other painting-related items.