container

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "container" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an object that holds or stores items, often in a physical or digital context. Example: "The shipping company uses a large container to transport goods across the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The whole day's provisions were stored in a Tupperware container and in a Kwik Save carrier bag.

The Guardian - Sport

North said: "The beauty of the show is that there are five auctions and four beats per auction – the container getting opened up, the auction, the winner looking inside the unit and whether they have made money or lost money.

The Guardian

Set aside to cool and harden, then chop half the brittle into roughly 1cm pieces (keep the rest in an airtight container as a nibble).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I thought 'why can't you have a store when you can have just one container of cereal?' It was 11pm so that's why I thought of cereal at anytime".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The only way to avoid the condensation is to place them in an airtight container before putting them in the refrigerator and then leave them in the container when you remove them from the refrigerator until they come to room temperature, or to serve them right away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This makes more than the 150g you need – store the rest in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There is no policy difference in serving alcoholic or non-alcoholic canned beverages to passengers," says Bob Birge, director of corporate communications at Republic Airways Holdings, which owns Shuttle America, "no differentiation in opened or unopened cans, and no policy speculating what may or may not be done with a container".

The Guardian

McKay's worries deepened when a member of Roozendaal's staff who shared her concerns over the container terminal was replaced by Ian Macnamara, a former employee of Tripodi and disgraced Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid.

The Guardian

Building the $600m container terminal was Labor government policy at the time, but McKay said she "couldn't get any information" on the tender's announcement.

The Guardian

Crack cocaine hidden inside a plastic Kinder egg container was found in Wilson's home.

The Guardian

They can support the weight of a small child Tropical plants from forest habitats, such as bromeliads which mostly grow in tree canopies, will thrive in conservatories but are naturally adapted to the lower light levels of our homes The lotus flower Nelumbo, which can be grown in a small pond or just a large container of water, can survive at temperatures down to 5C.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of a "container", be specific about what it holds (e.g., "a container for storing food" is clearer than just "a container").

Common error

Avoid using "container" without specifying its purpose or contents. Instead of saying "put it in the container", specify "put it in the storage box" or "the airtight container".

Linguistic Context

The word "container" functions primarily as a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes something that holds or encloses other items, whether physical or digital. Examples include "Tupperware container", "shipping container", or a "file container".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "container" is a common noun used to describe something that holds or encloses other items. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It appears frequently in news, lifestyle, and business sources, indicating a neutral register. To enhance clarity, specify the "container's" purpose or contents. Synonyms include "receptacle", "vessel", and "box", each with slightly different connotations. Using more descriptive language can prevent overuse of the generic term "container".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receptacle

Replaces "container" with a more formal and sometimes broader term for something that receives or holds items.

vessel

Similar to "container" but often implies a hollow object used for holding liquids or other contents.

box

A simple and direct alternative, suitable for many contexts where "container" is used.

package

Implies an item is wrapped or secured, often for transport or sale, similar to a "container" for goods.

enclosure

Focuses on the act of surrounding or containing something, rather than the object itself.

holder

Highlights the function of holding or supporting something, a key aspect of a "container".

repository

Suggests a place or object where things are stored or accumulated, similar to a "container" for data or information.

storage unit

More specific, implying a dedicated space or device for storing items, similar to a "container" for belongings.

can

A type of "container", usually made of metal, for preserving food or drinks.

casing

Typically refers to a protective outer layer or "container" for machinery or electronics.

FAQs

How can I use "container" in a sentence?

You can use "container" to describe something that holds objects, materials, or data. For example: "The leftovers were placed in a plastic container." or "A shipping container is used for transporting goods".

What are some synonyms for "container"?

Synonyms for "container" include "receptacle", "vessel", "box", or "package", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "container" and "packaging"?

"Container" refers to the object that holds something, while "packaging" refers to the process or materials used to enclose or protect goods.

Is it correct to use "container" for digital storage?

Yes, "container" can be used to describe digital storage, such as a file format that holds various types of data. For example, "Docker uses containers to package and run applications".