cup of coffee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cup of coffee" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a serving of coffee, often in a casual or conversational context. Example: "I like to start my day with a warm cup of coffee to help wake me up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Get a cup of coffee.

The New York Times

A second cup of coffee.

The New York Times

Buying a cup of coffee?

The New York Times

Cup of coffee?

The New York Times - Food

Let's have a cup of coffee".

The New York Times - Books

They share a cup of coffee.

The New Yorker

I retrieved my paper cup of coffee.

The New Yorker

My cup of coffee, untouched, went cold.

The New York Times

And have that second cup of coffee.

The New York Times

I'd get a cup of coffee.

The New Yorker

I'd like a cup of coffee.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms like "espresso" or "latte" when the type of coffee is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "cup of coffee" in formal business or academic writing. Instead, opt for more professional terms like "coffee service" or "beverage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cup of coffee" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the direct object of a verb (e.g., "drink a cup of coffee") or as a subject complement (e.g., "That's my cup of coffee"). According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cup of coffee" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase widely used across diverse contexts, mainly in news and media. It functions primarily to denote a serving of coffee. While perfectly acceptable in most everyday situations, more formal terms may be preferred in professional or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness, and the examples illustrate its use in conversation, offers, and descriptions of daily routines. You can improve specificity by using alternatives like "espresso" or more casual options such as "mug of joe".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mug of joe

Replaces "cup" with "mug" and "coffee" with the slang term "joe", maintaining the informal tone.

coffee break

Shifts the focus from the beverage itself to the act of taking a break for coffee.

brew

Refers to freshly made coffee emphasizing the preparation process

java

Replaces "coffee" with the slang term "java", indicating an informal style.

caffeinated beverage

Broadens the scope to include any caffeinated drink, not just coffee.

small coffee

Specifies the size of the coffee, adding a detail.

morning coffee

Indicates the time when the coffee is consumed.

hot coffee

Specifies the temperature of the coffee.

strong coffee

Specifies the strength of the coffee.

cup of caffeine

Substitutes "coffee" with "caffeine", focusing on the active ingredient.

FAQs

How to use "cup of coffee" in a sentence?

You can use "cup of coffee" to refer to a serving of coffee, as in "I'd like a "cup of coffee", please" or "Let's have a "cup of coffee" and talk about it."

What can I say instead of "cup of coffee"?

You can use alternatives like "mug of joe", "coffee break", or simply "coffee" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cup of coffee" or "coffee cup"?

"Cup of coffee" refers to the drink itself, while "coffee cup" refers to the container. Use "cup of coffee" when you mean the beverage and "coffee cup" when you mean the vessel you drink from.

Is "cup of coffee" formal or informal?

"Cup of coffee" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, you might say "coffee service" or simply mention the specific type of coffee being served.