steaming cup of tea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steaming cup of tea" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a cup of hot tea that has been freshly brewed and is still steaming. For example, "I could smell the sweet aroma of a steaming cup of tea coming from the kitchen".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Or while you are sipping a steaming cup of tea during a downpour at Zheng He Tea House, a hidden spot two blocks from Jonker Street.

The New York Times - Travel

Watching all this, one feels the cold and the driving rain and the comfort of a steaming cup of tea and hot breads and stews concocted over open fires in colorfully bedraggled encampments pitched in high winds.

The New York Times

"We are not going to give in to a low price less than what we think it is worth," said George Haddad, sipping a steaming cup of tea in an apartment crammed with the books they have accumulated since they moved there in 1963.

The New York Times

We need friendship that is like the comfort sharing a steaming cup of tea with someone on dark winter day.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The teeming crowds on Sunday included parents with children on their shoulders, students wearing face paint in the blue and yellow of the national flag, and volunteers handed out steaming cups of tea and other refreshments.

The New York Times

As night fell, and the soldiers continued passing huge chunks of debris and metal pots filled with rubble along an assembly line into the street, neighbors brought them steaming cups of tea and coffee and savory vegetable pakoras to keep them going.

The New York Times

A prominent place was given to an ancient samovar, which he used to prepare steaming cups of tea for his student writers during the break in his two-hour seminar.

Duke University

The volunteers pass out steaming cups of Moroccan mint tea.

The Washington Post

Waiters delivered steaming cups of sweet coffee and glasses of tea.

The New York Times

He pours steaming cups of a herbal infusion: "Labrador tea!" After so much talk of an all-meat diet, I can't resist asking if it is made from real labradors.

BBC

Coals smolder in the hearths, a lemon peel curls near a still-steaming cup of tea, an egg lies freshly broken in a bowl of flour.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steaming cup of tea" to evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and relaxation in your writing. It's particularly effective in descriptive passages or when setting a cozy atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where "steaming cup of tea" is the primary actor. Instead, focus on characters interacting with the tea or experiencing its effects. For instance, prefer "She enjoyed a steaming cup of tea" over "The steaming cup of tea warmed her hands."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steaming cup of tea" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive element within a sentence. It typically serves as the object of a verb or the subject complement, adding detail and sensory information to the scene or action described. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steaming cup of tea" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase, commonly employed to conjure images of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While not exceedingly frequent, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, often serving to describe a comforting scene or sensory experience. Alternatives such as "hot cup of tea" or "warm cup of tea" can be used to adjust the specific nuance, and it is advisable to avoid overuse in active voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hot cup of tea

Replaces "steaming" with "hot", focusing on the temperature.

cup of hot tea

Simply focuses on the hotness of the tea.

piping hot tea

Uses "piping hot" to intensify the heat of the tea.

warm cup of tea

Emphasizes the warmth of the tea, rather than the steam.

comforting cup of tea

Emphasizes the comforting feeling associated with drinking tea.

freshly brewed tea

Highlights the freshness of the tea, implying it's recently made and hot.

invigorating cup of tea

Highlights the stimulating effect of the tea.

fragrant cup of tea

Focuses on the pleasant smell of the tea.

aromatic cup of tea

Similar to 'fragrant cup of tea', emphasizing the pleasing smell.

a brew of tea

Replaces "cup of tea" with "brew of tea", altering the noun.

FAQs

How can I use "steaming cup of tea" in a sentence?

You can use "steaming cup of tea" to describe a cozy scene or to emphasize the comforting aspect of drinking tea. For example, "After a long day, she relaxed with a "hot cup of tea"."

What are some alternatives to "steaming cup of tea"?

Some alternatives include "hot cup of tea", "warm cup of tea", or "freshly brewed tea", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "steaming hot cup of tea"?

Yes, saying "steaming hot cup of tea" is somewhat redundant since "steaming" already implies heat. It's generally better to use either "steaming cup of tea" or "hot cup of tea" for clarity.

What imagery does "steaming cup of tea" evoke?

The phrase "steaming cup of tea" typically evokes imagery of warmth, comfort, relaxation, and a peaceful atmosphere. It can also suggest a moment of contemplation or a break from a busy day.