pack

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pack' is correct and usable in written English.
It can have multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. Some common uses of 'pack' are: 1. As a noun, 'pack' refers to a group of items that have been wrapped or contained together for convenience or transport. For example: "I need to pack my clothes before I leave for my trip." 2. It can also refer to a group of animals, such as a pack of wolves or a pack of dogs. 3. As a verb, 'pack' means to put items into a container or to arrange them in a compact way. For example: "Please help me pack these books into the box." 4. 'Pack' can also mean to fill a space or container completely. For example: "The crowd packed into the stadium to watch the soccer match." 5. In slang, 'pack' can be used to mean "to leave a place quickly." For example: "We need to pack and get out of here before it gets dark." Example sentence: "Before embarking on their hiking trip, the group packed their backpacks with all the necessary gear and supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Books

Music

Politics

Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It increased tobacco taxes, implemented a smoking ban in all enclosed public places and workplaces, required labels to have graphic warnings covering at least 65% of the pack and provided services to help people quit.

The Guardian

I wonder if the man chosen to play the charismatic Simpson – who won Sports Personality of the Year in 1965 – will come from Shane's trusted pack of actors?

The Guardian - Film

Who knows if he'll kick straight or avoid injuries but he's going to take some majestic pack marks.

The Guardian - Sport

The music to which she refers is the eruption of barks and yelps from the pack of hounds in the neighbouring wood.

The Guardian

Buy vouchers online any time, day or night, and have them delivered to the recipient either instantly by email, or have a gift pack sent in the post.

The Guardian

Who wouldn't want to set a pack of fantastical, fire-breathing, firework dragons on Dolores Umbridge?

The Guardian

"The French pack is really strong," the prop said.

The Guardian - Sport

The amount given is for a whole pack of filo, so scale this up or down as required.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And if you are going bra-free Pretty Perfect Nipple Daisies, pack of five Pairs for Single Use from Amazon By Perfection, pack of two silicone nipple covers See: Sabina Motasem's slinky designs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I wouldn't buy a big pack of toilet paper, because the four pack seemed like enough.

The Guardian - Books

Nibali looks shot, but there's a big gap to the chasing pack - which includes Chris Froome and Rui Costa.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pack" to mean 'fill completely', ensure the context clearly indicates the space or container being filled, such as "The stadium packed with fans."

Common error

Avoid using "pack" too frequently in formal contexts. Consider more precise verbs like "consolidate", "assemble", or "compile" for enhanced clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The word "pack" functions primarily as both a verb, denoting the action of filling or loading, and a noun, referring to a group or bundle. Ludwig shows examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Books

10%

Music

10%

Politics

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pack" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning as both a verb and a noun. As Ludwig highlights, "pack" can refer to preparing items for travel, filling a space, or denoting a group. With a neutral register and high frequency, it’s suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. However, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "consolidate" or "assemble" for enhanced clarity. "Pack" remains a common and useful word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

load

Replaces "pack" by focusing on the act of loading items into a container.

bundle

Emphasizes the action of tying or wrapping things together.

stuff

Suggests filling something tightly or carelessly.

cram

Implies filling a space to excess or with difficulty.

compress

Highlights the process of pressing something into a smaller space.

group together

Focuses on the action of collecting items into a single unit.

put away

Suggests storing items neatly.

arrange

Emphasizes organizing items in a specific order.

fill

Indicates making something full.

gather

Highlights the process of bringing items together from different locations.

FAQs

How can I use "pack" in a sentence?

You can use "pack" in sentences like: "I need to pack my suitcase", "The crowd packed the venue", or "Wolves hunt in a pack".

What can I say instead of "pack"?

You can use alternatives such as "load", "bundle", or "stuff" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pack up" or just "pack"?

"Pack up" and "pack" can both be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Pack" generally means to fill a container, while "pack up" often means to prepare to leave or stop an activity.

What's the difference between "pack" and "bundle"?

"Pack" generally refers to filling a container, whereas "bundle" refers to tying or wrapping things together into a single unit. The choice depends on whether you're filling a space or combining items.