to wrap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to wrap" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to enclose or cover something completely in cloth, paper, etc. For example, "I need to wrap my sister's birthday present before the party tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There's nothing to wrap.

The New York Times - Books

Need to wrap this up.

The New Yorker

It's time to wrap up.

The Guardian

Secondly, they're easy to wrap.

The Guardian - Books

No need to wrap it".

The New York Times - Magazine

Then he said, "To wrap this up".

The New York Times

Something to wrap your marketing brain around.

The New York Times

AMY DAVIDSON: Time to wrap up, guys.

The New Yorker

She sneaks grape leaves to wrap sardines.

The New York Times

Even how to wrap a box.

The New York Times - Books

"I was supposed to wrap April 11.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to wrap" in the context of finishing a task, consider the audience. In formal settings, alternatives like "to conclude" or "to finalize" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "to wrap" figuratively when a literal meaning is easily misinterpreted. For example, saying "to wrap one's mind" may not be clear if the context doesn't support a figurative interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to wrap" is as an infinitive verb, often used transitively to indicate the act of enclosing something. As Ludwig AI shows, it can also function intransitively in phrasal verbs like "wrap up", signifying completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to wrap" is a versatile and commonly used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to indicate the act of enclosing or covering something, but it also serves as part of the phrasal verb "wrap up", meaning to conclude. The phrase is generally appropriate for neutral registers, though more formal alternatives may be suitable in certain professional contexts. As the analysis shows, "to wrap" appears frequently in news and media, highlighting its widespread use and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to enclose

Focuses on surrounding something completely.

to cover

Highlights the act of placing something over or on top of something else.

to encase

Emphasizes a more rigid or protective enclosure.

to finish

Refers to completing or concluding something, similar to "wrapping up" a task.

to conclude

Highlights the act of bringing something to an end.

to package

Focuses on preparing something for transport or sale.

to pack

Implies organizing items tightly within a container.

to envelop

Suggests surrounding something in a gentle or complete manner.

to wind

Highlights coiling or turning around something.

to enfold

Emphasizes gently folding or embracing something within.

FAQs

How can I use "to wrap" in a sentence?

You can use "to wrap" in various contexts such as "I need "to wrap" the gift", or "It's time "to wrap" up the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "to wrap"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "to wrap" include "to enclose", "to cover", "to finish" or "to conclude".

Is it correct to say "to wrap up"?

Yes, "to wrap up" is a common idiom that means to finish or conclude something.

What's the difference between "to wrap" and "to envelop"?

"To wrap" generally means to cover something completely, while "to envelop" suggests surrounding something in a gentle or complete manner. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.