is a box of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a box of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the contents or nature of a box, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "The gift I received for my birthday is a box of chocolates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The object is a box Of ashes.

The New Yorker

How expensive is a box of pasta?

The New York Times - Magazine

There is a box of 9-mm.

The New Yorker

How much is a box of cereal?

The Guardian - Business

A violin is a box of air.

The New York Times

All you get is a box of shoes.

The New Yorker

In Guantánamo, it is a box of candy.

The New York Times

All it takes is a box of homemade cookies.

The Washington Post

Beside the 'artist' is a box of paints and artist supplies.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And here's a box of Kleenex".

The New York Times

Well, here's a box of delights.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is a box of", ensure the context clearly defines what the box contains. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "is a box of chocolates" instead of just "is a box of something".

Common error

Avoid using "is a box of" as a vague placeholder when describing something abstract or complex. Instead, use more descriptive language to convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of saying "life is a box of problems", try "life presents a series of challenges".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a box of" serves primarily as a descriptor, often functioning as a predicate nominative. It identifies or categorizes the subject by indicating that it contains or is associated with the contents typically found within a box. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a box of" is a versatile descriptor, functioning as a predicate nominative to characterize subjects by what they contain or represent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its utility in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Primarily found in news and media, it also appears across academic, wiki, and scientific writings. When using this phrase, ensure specificity to avoid ambiguity and choose alternative phrasings like "contains a box of" or "includes a box of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contains a box of

Focuses on the physical contents inside the box.

includes a box of

Highlights the inclusion of a box as part of a larger set.

comprises a box of

Emphasizes the composition or components including a box.

consists of a box of

Similar to comprises but slightly more formal.

features a box of

Highlights a box as a notable attribute or feature.

there is a box containing

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the existence of a box.

a box filled with

Focuses on the contents within the box.

encloses a box of

Highlights the action of enclosing or containing.

a package containing

Substitutes "box" for "package" to generalize the type of container.

within the box is

Inverts the sentence structure to emphasize the location of the contents.

FAQs

How can I use "is a box of" in a sentence?

You can use "is a box of" to describe the contents of a physical box, such as "The gift "is a box of chocolates"". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "His explanation "is a box of tricks"".

What are some alternatives to "is a box of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "contains a box of", "includes a box of", or "comprises a box of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is a box of" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "is a box of" metaphorically when you want to suggest that something contains various elements or surprises, similar to how a physical box might hold different items. For example, "The project "is a box of challenges"" suggests that the project involves numerous difficulties.

Which is correct: "is a box of chocolate" or "is a box of chocolates"?

"Is a box of chocolates" is generally correct when referring to multiple pieces of chocolate. "Is a box of chocolate" might be used if referring to a single block or type of chocolate, but it's less common.