in the box

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the box" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is inside a box or contained within it. Example: "I found my old photo album in the box under my bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the box.

Independent

"Put it in the box".

The New Yorker

A safety in the box.

The New York Times - Sports

Stay in the box.

University of California, Berkeley

Please submit in the box below.

The New York Times

Everything you need comes in the box.

The New York Times

"Keep playing seven guys in the box.

Independent

Back in the box it goes.

The New York Times

Click the Options tab in the box.

The New York Times

"You can't get in the box.

The New York Times

Were his parents in the box?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the box" to describe a location, ensure that the box is a clearly defined physical or metaphorical space. Avoid ambiguity by specifying which box you're referring to, especially if there are multiple boxes present or implied.

Common error

Avoid using "in the box" loosely as a synonym for "inside" when referring to abstract concepts without a clear connection to a physical or conceptual box. Instead, opt for more precise language that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the box" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location or containment. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, confirming its grammatical correctness and varied applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the box" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote location or containment. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment with numerous real-world examples from diverse sources. While primarily used in a neutral register, it appears frequently in news, wiki content, and academic writing. When employing the phrase, ensure clarity about the box being referenced, and avoid overly broad metaphorical applications. Alternatives such as "inside the container" or "within the enclosure" can provide nuanced meaning. It is important to choose the preposition carefully, based on whether you intend to describe static location ("in the box") or movement ("into the box").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inside the container

Replaces "box" with "container", emphasizing the general concept of something being within a vessel.

within the enclosure

Substitutes "box" with "enclosure", focusing on the idea of being surrounded or confined.

contained in the box

Emphasizes the action of being contained, using a passive voice construction.

situated inside the box

Highlights the location, specifying that something is located inside.

enclosed in the box

Focuses on the act of being enclosed, suggesting a more complete surrounding.

packaged in the box

Implies that something is placed in the box as part of a packaging process.

kept within the box

Stresses the act of keeping something inside for safekeeping or storage.

present in the box

Simply indicates the presence of something inside the box, without additional connotation.

located in the box

Similar to 'situated inside the box', focusing on the specific location.

lodged in the box

Suggests that something is firmly or securely positioned inside the box.

FAQs

How can I use "in the box" in a sentence?

You can use "in the box" to describe the location of an object (e.g., "The toy is in the box.") or metaphorically to describe a state or condition (e.g., "We need to think outside the box.").

What are some alternatives to saying "in the box"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "inside the container", "within the enclosure", or "contained in the box".

Is it correct to say "into the box" instead of "in the box"?

The choice between "in the box" and "into the box" depends on the context. "In the box" describes a static location, while "into the box" describes movement toward or placement within the box.

What does it mean to think "outside the box"?

Thinking "outside the box" is an idiom that means to think creatively and unconventionally, not limited by traditional or established ways of thinking.