contents

USAGE SUMMARY

"contents" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in the context of referring to the constituent elements of a container or a document, such as the items inside a box or the items in the Table of Contents of a book. For example: The box contained various items, the contents of which were a surprise to us all.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were sets for spinsters, boxes commemorating the First World War (contents: naval and military headdress, iron crosses, a Kaiser moustache and shells), even crackers for Masons.

The Guardian

The tube's contents can be disposed of back on terra firma.

The Guardian

Three days ago, Obama said the Massachusetts senator was "absolutely wrong" and accused her of speculating about the contents of the emerging 12-nation trade deal for personal gain.

The Guardian

Using a dictionary structure makes it easy to change the content sent to the template but I don't want the template to modify the contents as it renders it.

The Guardian

If the contents of the containers seems too good to be true – the US version featured a "gimp" in a cage, a Breaking Bad-style meth lab, a voodoo death ritual den and an (empty) coffin – then it can presumably be attributed to the "magic" of television.

The Guardian

These burgers won't declare themselves to be made with BugULike™ or Insectelicious™; the contents will list an ingredient called something like NaturesBounty™.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The document was a note taken by a Scotland Office civil servant recording a conversation with the French consul general in which the envoy recounted the contents of a private discussion between Sturgeon and the French ambassador.

The Guardian

The group also claimed to have "several emails including a Gmail and the contents of three iPhones of a certain prime minister", and tweeted photographs of a government meeting from the vantage point of where Medvedev would have chaired it.

The Guardian

Standing in the Commons last week, William Hague denied he wanted to "trawl the contents of people's phone calls" and said every intercept had to be personally signed by him.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fears that the contents of the document would be published led to the attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, threatening to use the Official Secrets Act against national newspapers, an unprecedented move by the Blair government.

The Guardian

An unpublished draft law on domestic workers has been pending since 2012 but, according to media reports, its contents would still fall short of the protection afforded to other workers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the "contents" of digital files or documents, ensure you specify the file type or format to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the contents of the CSV file" is clearer than simply "the contents".

Common error

Avoid using "content" when you mean "contents". "Content" generally refers to the subject matter or information, while "contents" refers to the items contained within something. For example, use "the contents of the box" instead of "the content of the box".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contents" is as a noun, specifically a plural noun, referring to items or material held within something. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples like, "The contents of the cup had a familiar aroma".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "contents" functions as a plural noun, denoting the items or materials contained within something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from news media to formal business and science. When using "contents", ensure that you are referring to the items held within, rather than the subject matter itself (which would be "content"). Ludwig's examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian illustrate its widespread and consistent usage. For alternative phrasing, consider "items inside" or "internal components" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

items inside

Focuses on the individual objects found within, emphasizing their physical presence.

internal components

Emphasizes the constituent parts or elements that make up the whole, typically in a technical context.

included material

Highlights that the items are part of a set or collection within something.

listed items

Refers to items explicitly named or enumerated, often in a table or inventory.

elements comprised

Suggests the specific entities that constitute the subject being described.

subject matter

Refers to the themes or topics dealt with in a book, discussion, or other form of communication.

the substance

Implies the essential part or core meaning of something.

the inventory

Indicates a detailed list of all the items contained within a space or collection.

the load

Refers to the amount or quantity of things carried, either literally or figuratively.

the holdings

Describes the assets or possessions held by an individual or organization.

FAQs

How do you use "contents" in a sentence?

Use "contents" to refer to the items or material held within something. For example, "The "contents" of the package were damaged during shipping" or "The "contents" page lists the chapters of the book".

What is another word for "contents"?

Synonyms for "contents" include "items inside", "internal components", or "included material" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "content" instead of "contents"?

No, "content" and "contents" have different meanings. "Content" refers to the subject matter or information, while "contents" refers to the items contained within something. Use "contents" when referring to what is inside a container or document.

What is the difference between "content" and "contents"?

"Content" refers to the information or substance, while "contents" refers to the items held within a container. For example, a website has "content", but a box has "contents".