cup of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cup of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a drink or a portion of a liquid, often in a casual or metaphorical context. Example: "I would love a cup of coffee to start my day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Nice cup of something warm and cuddle up with the computer?

Cornell University

If you need to borrow a cup of something, there are no neighbors to go to.

The New York Times

I lift a cup — of something stronger than Frappuccino — to you, Taylor Clark.

The New York Times - Books

Serve immediately with black rice vinegar, chopped spring onion and a cup of something like an oolong or a smoky lapsang souchong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Under a chandelier that recalled either "Swan Lake" or a jumbo feather duster ($250), Aaron, a clerk obviously hired for his equanimity, poured me a cup of something rosy and delicious called the Balanchine Infusion.

The New York Times

On entering the fitting room at Blossom, in Kensington, London, encumbered shoppers are offered a cup of something called an Earth Mama Angel Baby Peaceful Mama tea (which tastes surprisingly good).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In the opening scene at the bacchanal in Venusberg, where the young knight Tannhäuser is growing tired of fleshy pleasures, instead of voluptuous sirens, bathing naiads and dancing nymphs, Mr. Arlaud gives us three robed female attendants to Venus, who pour cups of something (nectar, mead?) from a silver teapot.

The New York Times - Arts

Nathaniel Zimet of Boucherie was serving up cups of something called Backbone Stew, which he described as "Cajun gumbo on steroids".

Huffington Post

On a recent mild morning, Jacob Hamilton was outside on the porch in his pajamas, taking in the view while enjoying a cup of coffee — something he could never have done before moving to Redding, Conn.

The New York Times

The rebels say Eritrea is a good base of operations because it is safe; it has an international airport and reliable phone lines; and various rebel leaders can meet anytime, day or night, in one of the city's countless sidewalk cafes and talk shop over a cup of espresso — something they definitely could not do in Darfur itself.

The New York Times

This is the story of the two human beings who survive the Earth's senseless destruction, and their adventures in space and time while attempting to discover the meaning of life or, in Arthur Dent, the main protagonist's case, simply find a decent cup of tea (something which can sometimes constitute the same thing).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cup of something" when you want to vaguely refer to a warm beverage or a small, undefined amount of a substance. It adds a casual tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "cup of something" if specific details would make your writing more precise and engaging. Sometimes, clarity is more important than casualness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cup of something" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase. It often represents a general or unspecified beverage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cup of something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves as a noun phrase, often representing a general or unspecified beverage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its primary communicative purpose is to offer or request a drink without specifying the exact type, adding a touch of casualness and informality. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and wiki content, but it's less common in formal business or scientific contexts. If you want to be more specific about the beverage, consider alternatives like "glass of something" or "mug of something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glass of something

Replaces "cup" with "glass", implying a different type of container.

mug of something

Substitutes "cup" with "mug", suggesting a larger, more casual container.

bowl of something

Uses "bowl" instead of "cup", indicating a broader, often food-related context.

a sip of something

Indicates a very small amount, emphasizing the act of sipping.

a splash of something

Refers to a very small quantity of liquid, often added for flavor.

a bit of something

Generalizes the quantity to "a bit", losing the specific container reference.

a taste of something

Focuses on the sensory experience rather than the quantity.

a measure of something

Emphasizes a specific quantity, often used in more formal contexts.

a portion of something

Indicates a serving or part of something, more general than a "cup".

a draught of something

Implies drinking something, often alcoholic, directly from a container.

FAQs

How can I use "cup of something" in a sentence?

You can use "cup of something" to refer to a drink in a casual context, like "I'd like a "cup of something" warm on this chilly evening".

What are some alternatives to "cup of something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "glass of something", "mug of something", or "bowl of something".

Is it correct to say "cup of something"?

Yes, "cup of something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to refer to a beverage or a small amount of something in a cup.

What does "cup of something" generally imply?

The phrase usually implies a warm, comforting beverage like tea or coffee, but it can also refer to any liquid served in a cup. Its use adds a touch of informality to the context.