there is a box of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a box of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the presence of a box containing something, often followed by the item inside the box. Example: "There is a box of chocolates on the table that you can share with everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There is a box of 9-mm.

The New Yorker

Be sure there is a box of tissues nearby when you watch this.

The New York Times

There is a box of crayons that belongs to a boy called Duncan.

The Guardian

In the back seat, there is a box of Raisin Bran cereal — "In case I need breakfast," Mr. Goode said.

The New York Times

There is a box of standard explanations, and each writer picks the ones he finds most appealing.

The New York Times - Books

There is a box of text inside the drawing which reads: "The Bastard Offspring of Art and Commerce murder their parents and go off on a Sunday Outing".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In the main bedroom there's a box of cut-throat razors, one for each day of the week.

The Guardian

(There was a box of Kleenex on a shelf).

The New Yorker

There's a box of coins in his lap.

The New Yorker

There was a box of hand warmers on the counter.

The Guardian

Sometimes there was a box of delicious decoy sausages.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or inventory, use "there is a box of" to clearly indicate the presence and contents of a container. It's useful for setting context and providing detail.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a boxes of" or "there are a box of". Ensure the verb agrees with 'box', keeping it singular when referring to one box.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a box of" serves as an existential clause, introducing the presence of a box and its contents. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to describe what can be found in a particular location or context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is a box of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate the presence of a box along with its contents. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct for descriptive purposes in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, paying attention to subject-verb agreement and context is crucial to prevent errors. The examples from Ludwig showcase the phrase's broad applicability and offer a practical insight into its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a box filled with

Uses a contraction and a different verb to describe the box, making it slightly more casual.

a box with something inside

Simplifies the phrase to a description of the box and its contents, creating a shorter version.

a box of something exists

Emphasizes the existence of the box and its contents, altering the sentence structure.

a box holds something

Uses a more concise verb to describe the box's function, simplifying the sentence.

a box containing something is present

Highlights the presence of a box with contents, using a more formal tone.

contained within a box is something

Emphasizes the act of containment, making the sentence more descriptive.

something can be found in a box

Focuses on the location of the item within the box, changing the sentence's emphasis.

a box of items is available

Highlights availability of a box with things, suitable in descriptive contexts.

inside the box is something

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

you'll find something in a box

Addresses the reader directly, indicating what they can expect to find.

FAQs

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

Use "there is a box of" to introduce the presence of a box containing specific items. For example, "There is a box of old photos in the attic."

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

You can use phrases like "there's a container of", "a box contains", or "inside the box is" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there are a box of"?

No, "there are a box of" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "there is a box of", maintaining singular agreement with "box".

What's the difference between "there is a box of" and "there are boxes of"?

"There is a box of" refers to a single box containing multiple items, while "there are boxes of" indicates multiple boxes, each containing something. The choice depends on whether you're talking about one box or several.