A Coffee Cup or A Cup of Coffee?
By the end: I can distinguish an object’s type from what a container holds.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Try the activities, then check your answers.
Choose a short recording.
Name the object’s type
In these compounds, the first noun helps classify the second. A coffee cup is a type of cup and may be empty.
I bought a coffee cup.
There’s a water bottle in my bag.
Name the contents
A cup of coffee normally names a serving or container holding coffee. The of phrase describes its contents here.
I ordered a cup of coffee.
We need a bottle of water.
Choose what matters
A tea bag is a familiar object. A bag of tea refers to a quantity or package containing tea. Use context rather than swapping the words automatically.
This coffee cup is empty.
This cup of coffee is cold.
Count the cups, then keep the contents clear
The main noun cups is plural. They may contain coffee or be empty.
Cups is plural; coffee stays uncountable in this serving expression.
Guided practice
Say or write your answer first. Compare form and meaning with the model.
1. Choose the empty object: coffee cup / cup of coffee.
Compare a model and explanation
coffee cup
Its type can be named even when it is empty.
2. Choose a drink order: water bottle / bottle of water.
Compare a model and explanation
a bottle of water
This requests the contents.
3. Make plural: coffee cup.
Compare a model and explanation
coffee cups
Normally pluralise the main noun cups.
4. Make plural: cup of coffee.
Compare a model and explanation
cups of coffee
Cups is counted; coffee remains unchanged here.
5. Correct for an empty container: I drank an empty cup of coffee. You only washed the container.
Compare a model and explanation
I washed an empty coffee cup.
Choose an action and phrase consistent with the facts.
6. Explain the difference: a shopping bag / a bag of shopping.
Compare a model and explanation
The first names a type of bag; the second includes the things bought.
The exact compound relation comes from context.
7. Name a box designed for lunch.
Compare a model and explanation
a lunch box
The compound names the object type.
8. Request two servings of tea rather than two empty cups.
Compare a model and explanation
Two cups of tea, please.
Keep the contents explicit.
A short conversation
Listen first, then open the transcript when useful.
Open the conversation transcript
A: Did you buy a coffee cup?
B: Yes. It’s in the box, and it’s empty.
A: Would you like a cup of coffee to use it?
B: Yes, please. I’ll wash the cup first.
Listening checks
Listen to each extract or open its transcript. These three questions have a separate score.
Mastery quiz
Choose the best answer for each situation. The score is out of eight.
Use it in your own words
Speaking 1
Describe two empty containers by type.
Reveal a possible response
I have a coffee cup and a water bottle.
Success check: Do not imply that they contain a drink.
Speaking 2
Order drinks using units and contents.
Reveal a possible response
Two cups of tea and a bottle of water, please.
Success check: Make the contents explicit.
Put it all together
Explain a small misunderstanding between a shop assistant and a customer who wanted a drink, not a container.
Reveal a possible response
I asked for a bottle of water, not an empty water bottle. I need something to drink now.
Success check: Preserve the distinction between object and contents.
Take it with you
I can distinguish an object’s type from what a container holds.