A2 Vocabulary — Containers & quantities
Common words for parts of food and everyday containers in English (“a piece of cake”, “a bottle of water”, etc.).
A2 Pre-intermediate
Food & drink
Quantifiers
1. Pieces of something bigger
- a piece of = a small part of something large (cheese, cake, meat). I took a piece of cheese from the plate.
- a loaf of = one whole bread in its shape. We bought a loaf of fresh bread.
- a slice of = a thin flat piece cut from bread, cake, cheese, etc. Would you like a slice of pizza?
- a bar of = a long solid block (chocolate, soap). He ate a bar of chocolate on the train.
- a spoonful of = the amount that fits on one spoon. Add a spoonful of sugar to the tea.
We use these with uncountable nouns: a piece of cake, a slice of cheese.
2. Packets, bags & boxes
- a bag of = a soft paper / plastic container (crisps, flour). She opened a bag of crisps.
- a packet of = a small bag or pack (biscuits, sweets, gum). I bought a packet of biscuits.
- a carton of = a box-shaped container, usually for drinks. We need a carton of orange juice.
- a box of = a cardboard container (cereal, chocolates). There’s a box of cereal in the cupboard.
3. Cups, glasses & jars
- a cup of = a small container with a handle; also a measure (~250 ml). He drank a cup of coffee.
- a glass of = a clear container for cold drinks. Can I have a glass of water?
- a jar of = a glass container with a lid (jam, honey). We bought a jar of strawberry jam.
- a can of = a metal container for food or drink. There’s a can of soup on the shelf.
- a bottle of = a tall container for liquids. She always carries a bottle of water.
4. Tubs, tubes & bowls
- a tub of = a large plastic box for soft food (ice cream, margarine). There’s a tub of ice cream in the freezer.
- a tube of = a long soft container you squeeze (toothpaste, cream). We need a tube of toothpaste.
- a bowl of = a deep round dish (soup, salad, cereal). I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast.
5. Rolls, buckets & baskets
- a roll of = a long round tube (toilet paper, tape). We bought a roll of kitchen paper.
- a bucket of = a large container with a handle (water, ice, sand). The drinks were in a bucket of ice.
- a basket of = a container with a handle (fruit, bread, eggs). They brought a basket of fresh bread.
Notice the pattern: a + container + of + noun → a bottle of water, a basket of apples.
6. Quick tips
- Use containers to make uncountable nouns countable: three bottles of juice, two pieces of cake.
- Some words can go with many foods: a bowl of soup / rice / salad, a packet of crisps / biscuits.
- In informal speech we sometimes drop of: “Want a slice pizza?” (spoken) → correct form: a slice of pizza.
Exercises:
Containers & quantities
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence below.
1
I’ll give you
good advice before your trip.
Correct:
You say a piece of advice / information, not a glass or a jar.
2
We bought
at the bakery this morning.
Correct:
A whole bread from the bakery is a loaf of bread.
3
Would you like
pizza or are you not hungry?
Correct:
A thin piece of pizza, cake or bread is a slice of.
4
She brought
apples from the market.
Correct:
Fruit from a market often comes in a bag of apples, oranges, etc.
5
We need
milk for breakfast tomorrow.
Correct:
Milk and juice in boxes are usually in a carton of milk / juice.
6
He gave her
chocolates for her birthday.
Correct:
Chocolates often come in a box of chocolates.
7
I usually buy
biscuits with my tea.
Correct:
Biscuits, crisps, noodles etc. are sold in a packet of …
8
The doctor said to take
medicine twice a day.
Correct:
Medicine or sugar can be measured as a spoonful of …
9
Would you like
tea or coffee?
Correct:
Hot drinks are served in a cup of tea / coffee.
10
She drinks
water before bed every night.
Correct:
Cold drinks are usually in a glass of water / juice.
11
He opened
cola and put it in the fridge.
Correct:
Cola and soft drinks are often sold in a can of cola.
12
We need
jam for the toast.
Correct:
Jam, honey and pickles often come in a jar of …
13
We bought
ice cream for the party.
Correct:
Ice cream is often sold in a tub of ice cream.
14
I need to buy
toothpaste at the pharmacy.
Correct:
Toothpaste and some creams come in a tube of …
15
She ate
chocolate while watching a film.
Correct:
Chocolate and some soaps come in a bar of …
16
There is only
toilet paper left in the bathroom.
Correct:
Toilet paper and tape often come in a roll of …
17
He had
soup for lunch.
Correct:
Soup, salad or rice can be served in a bowl of …
18
She bought
mineral water from the shop.
Correct:
Water, oil and some drinks are sold in a bottle of …
19
The children filled
water to wash the car.
Correct:
A large open container with a handle is a bucket of water/sand.
20
They brought
vegetables home from the garden.
Correct:
A container made of wood or plastic for carrying food is a basket of …
Containers & quantities
Match the sentences with the words
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