still in box

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still in box" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that an item has not been removed from its packaging or container. Example: "The new phone is still in box, waiting for the right moment to be opened." Alternative expressions include "still in packaging" and "still in the package."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A box of Rizzle Kicks teabags ("Oh wow… that is genuine crap"), a plastic, secondhand record player ("Do you have between a two- and a five-year-old at home?"), and a toy Citroën, still in box ("Anything made in China is good").

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Women's Harley-Davidson ankle-high riding boots, black leather, new, never worn, still in box; photo available on request.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When cutting windows and doors, make sure to leave plenty of box still "in tact" so the box will still be stable.[12].[12]

WikiHow

"I am still in boxes, waiting to renovate.

The New York Times

Our stuff is still in boxes, our rugs rolled up.

The New York Times

Dr. ElBaradei said most of Libya's illicit nuclear equipment was "quite dismantled" and still in boxes.

The New York Times

With our apartment still in boxes and the refrigerator filled with takeout, my roommates and I prepared to celebrate our first weekend in the city.

The New York Times

We'd only been in that new apartment for a month when she died, many of our belongings still in boxes.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had been there for four months, but I hadn't unpacked any of my stuff, it was all still in boxes.

The Guardian

In testimony released yesterday, Monica Lewinsky said "no one ever asked me to lie, and I was never promised a job for my silence". Other evidence, some still in boxes in a House office building, might help the President.

The New York Times

Right now, Lorna's hall light isn't working because it's been flooded, the kitchen ceiling is mouldy and falling down, and most of her possessions are still in boxes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing or narrative prose, prefer the more complete form "still in the box" to ensure a smoother rhythmic flow.

Common error

Do not use the phrase when referring to digital products or services. While "out of the box" can metaphorically refer to ready-to-use software, "still in box" remains strictly literal for physical inventory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still in box" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective or adverb to describe the state of an object. In many instances found in Ludwig, it serves as a post-modifier for nouns in list-like or descriptive structures. Ludwig AI confirms its validity as a way to indicate that packaging remains intact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Social Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "still in box" is a legitimate and effective way to describe items that remain in their original packaging. While the exact match is categorized as Rare in terms of literal shorthand usage, its variations are extremely Common across all major English publications. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness for indicating an item has not been opened. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, where it serves as a succinct descriptive tool. Writers should feel confident using it in descriptive lists or informal notes, but should consider adding the definite article for more formal prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still in the box

Includes the definite article for a more grammatically complete and standard prose structure

in its box

Uses a possessive pronoun to link the item directly to its specific container

unopened

A concise adjective focusing on the state of the packaging rather than its location

still in boxes

The plural form used when referring to multiple items or a general state of moving

in original packaging

More formal and often used in legal or official retail descriptions

brand new in box

Adds emphasis on the item's age and pristine condition

still sealed

Highlights that the factory seal has not been broken

unused in box

Explicitly confirms the functional status of the item

mint in box

Specific collector terminology indicating the item and box are in perfect condition

never unpacked

Focuses on the action (or lack thereof) of the owner

FAQs

Which is correct, "still in box" or "still in the box"?

Both are correct, but they serve different purposes. "still in box" is common in shorthand like classifieds, while "still in the box" is the standard version used in complete sentences.

What can I say instead of "still in box"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "unopened", "still sealed", or "in original packaging".

Is "still in box" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is frequently used to indicate that an item has not been removed from its container.

How do I use "still in box" in a sentence?

You can use it as a descriptor, for example: "The vintage record player was found "still in its box" in the attic."