cup of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cup of water" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a container filled with water, typically for drinking purposes. Example: "Could you please pass me a cup of water? I'm feeling quite thirsty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Do you want a cup of water?

The New Yorker

She drank cup after cup of water.

The New York Times

"Nobody could have a cup of water!

The New York Times - Magazine

Keep a cup of water nearby.

The Washington Post

And then 1/4 a cup of water.

Cornell University

He grabs a cup of water from a volunteer.

The New York Times

He gave the Negro a cup of water...

The New Yorker

I even leave a cup of water by the keyboard.

The New York Times

Reserve about a cup of water before draining pasta.

The New York Times - Food

Add the cider, 1 cup of water and the salt.

The New York Times

I don't take a break with a cup of water.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cup of water" to indicate a standard measurement in cooking or scientific contexts.

Common error

Don't use "cup of water" when you mean a different liquid; be specific (e.g., "cup of coffee" or "cup of tea").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cup of water" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a direct object or part of a prepositional phrase. It identifies a specific quantity of water served or contained in a cup. As supported by Ludwig, this is a very common expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

26%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

15%

Reference

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cup of water" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to refer to a quantity of water in a cup. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this expression. It is employed across various contexts, from providing instructions in WikiHow articles to depicting everyday scenarios in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, understanding its function and purpose will enhance clarity in both writing and speech. Always be mindful of specifying the liquid if you don't mean water.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glass of water

Substitutes "cup" with "glass", another common drinking vessel.

a mug of water

Substitutes "cup" with "mug", implying a larger, sturdier container.

a drink of water

Focuses on the action of drinking water rather than the container.

some water in a cup

Rephrases to emphasize the water itself, specifying its location.

glass of H2O

Replaces "water" with its chemical formula, adding a scientific tone.

a small amount of water

Highlights the quantity of water rather than the container.

a serving of water

Implies a specific portion size, often in a health or hydration context.

a bit of water to drink

Emphasizes the purpose of the water being for drinking.

a draught of water

Uses a more archaic term, "draught", for a serving of liquid.

water in a drinking vessel

A more generic term.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "glass of water", "mug of water", or "drink of water" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a cup of waters"?

No, "a cup of waters" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "cup of water". "Waters" refers to different bodies of water, not multiple servings in a cup.

How do I specify the size of a "cup of water" in a recipe?

In recipes, "cup of water" usually refers to a standard measuring cup, which is 8 fluid ounces or 240 milliliters. Specify if you mean something different.

When should I use "glass of water" instead of "cup of water"?

Use "glass of water" when the water is served in a glass. "Cup of water" is more general and can refer to any cup-like container.