pour a cup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pour a cup" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of serving a drink, typically liquid, into a cup. Example: "After a long day, I like to pour a cup of tea and relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

New models are now arriving in droves, each trying to outdo the other with features like lids that don't need to be turned for pouring, systems that pause so you can pour a cup while it brews, and nozzles to froth milk -- alone worthy incentives to ditch the coffee incinerator on your counter.

The New York Times - Food

His arm shook so much, he could not pour a cup of coffee.

The New York Times - Sports

"He could pour a cup of coffee if he had to".

The New York Times

To rescue an old wok that has rusted or become dusty pour a cup of coarse salt into it.

The New York Times - Books

Remove shrimp and set aside. 6. Pour a cup of shrimp stock into pan and simmer for five minutes.

The New York Times - Food

Sabrina Teresa Gouker, a waitress, rolls her eyes as she walks behind the counter to pour a cup of coffee.

The New York Times

Pour a cup of stew into a large bowl, top with a pork belly, and garnish with 3 cloves roasted garlic.

The New York Times - Style

Malick's life must be exhausting if every walk across the kitchen to pour a cup of tea is such a moment.

The Guardian - Film

Pour a cup of water into the Instant Pot and then set a trivet in it; place the cake pan atop the trivet.

The Washington Post

Make sure to pour a cup of water over them in order to keep them moist until the turkey begins to release its juices.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He poured a cup from the thermos, and we passed it around, heading up the highway.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pour a cup" to describe the simple action of filling a cup with liquid, but consider more descriptive verbs like "ladle" or "dispense" to provide more detail or context.

Common error

While "pour a cup" is perfectly acceptable in most situations, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more precise language when describing specific actions or contexts. For example, "serve a cup of tea" might be more appropriate in formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pour a cup" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb construction describing the action of dispensing a liquid into a cup. Ludwig's examples illustrate its common use in everyday scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

29%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pour a cup" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of filling a cup with liquid. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and informal settings. While simple, it's a practical phrase for everyday scenarios. When writing, consider the context and if a more descriptive verb would enhance the message. Despite its simplicity, "pour a cup" effectively conveys a common action, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Serve a cup of

Focuses on the act of serving, emphasizing hospitality.

Pour some into a cup

More generic, indicating an unspecified amount into a cup.

Fill a cup with

Emphasizes the action of filling the cup to its capacity.

Dispense a cup of

Suggests a more automated or measured action of serving.

Give a cup of

Focuses on providing a cup to someone.

Draw a cup of

Implies a more deliberate and careful action, possibly from a larger container.

Measure out a cup of

Highlights the precise measurement before pouring.

Ladle a cup of

Suggests using a ladle to transfer the liquid.

Spoon a cup of

Implies using a spoon to transfer the liquid.

Dole out a cup of

Indicates a controlled or rationed distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "pour a cup" in a sentence?

You can use "pour a cup" to describe the action of filling a cup with a liquid, such as "I like to "pour a cup" of coffee in the morning" or "She asked me to "pour a cup" of tea for her".

What can I say instead of "pour a cup"?

You can use alternatives like "serve a cup", "fill a cup with", or "dispense a cup of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "poured a cup" instead of "pour a cup"?

Yes, "poured a cup" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct when describing an action that has already happened. For example, "I "poured a cup" of coffee this morning."

What's the difference between "pour a cup" and "have a cup"?

"Pour a cup" refers to the action of filling a cup with a beverage, while "have a cup" refers to the action of drinking from a cup. For example, "I will "pour a cup" of coffee" means I am filling the cup, while "I will "have a cup" of coffee" means I will drink from the cup.