Cool MateCrate vs Package
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Crate
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Package
Top 1,000 (very common)B1noun
Most common: Package
| Crate | Package | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kreɪt//🇺🇸 //kreɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpækɪdʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpækɪdʒ/"]/ |
| Meaning | A large box used to store or transport things. | A bundle of things wrapped together. |
| Example | The delivery service brought a wooden crate filled with supplies. | I received a package in the mail today. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | wooden crate, plastic crate, shipping crate, transport crate, stack a crate | big, bulky, compact, open, unwrap, wrap, contain, arrive, in a/the package, package of, big, bulky, compact, open, unwrap, wrap, contain, arrive, in a/the package, package of, basic, complete, comprehensive, offer, produce, provide, consist of something, contain something, include something, holiday, tour, deal, in a/the package, under a/the package, package of, part of a package, software, integrated, application, download, install, use |
| Antonyms | disperse, scatter | unpackage, release |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'crate' with 'create' which has a different meaning., Using 'crate' for very small containers, whereas it's meant for large ones. | 'Package' confused with 'packet' in contexts of small amounts., Using 'packaging' when referring to the actual bundle rather than the contents., Mispronouncing 'package' as 'pack-age' instead of 'pack-ij'... |
| Usage notes | Use 'crate' when referring to wooden or plastic boxes. It's appropriate for both formal and casual contexts, especially in shipping or moving discussions. | Use 'package' when referring to physical items wrapped for delivery. In informal contexts, it can refer to software packages too. Avoid using it for abstract concepts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Crate vs Package
What's the difference between Crate and Package?
Crate: A large box used to store or transport things. Package: A bundle of things wrapped together.
Which is more common: Crate and Package?
Package is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Crate: The delivery service brought a wooden crate filled with supplies. Package: I received a package in the mail today.
Can I use Crate and Package interchangeably?
Not always. Crate and Package are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.