Box vs The information is in the safe

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Box

High-frequency chunkA1noun

The information is in the safe

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Box
 BoxThe information is in the safe
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/bɒks/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bɑːks/"]/🇬🇧 //ðə ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən ɪz ɪn ðə seɪf//🇺🇸 //ðə ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən ɪz ɪn ðə seɪf//
MeaningA container with flat sides, usually made of cardboard or wood.A place to keep things safe.
ExampleI received a large box from my friend.The information is in the safe.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonHigh-frequency chunkTop 3,000 (common)
CEFR levelA1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsrectangular, square, upturned, pile, stack, fill, pack, pack something in, be filled with something, be full of something, contain something, in a/​the box, inside a/​the box, into a/​the box, the lid of a box, rectangular, square, upturned, pile, stack, fill, pack, pack something in, be filled with something, be full of something, contain something, in a/​the box, inside a/​the box, into a/​the box, the lid of a box, appropriate, relevant, dialog, check, fill in, mark, in a/​the box, into a/​the box, tick all the boxes, soundproof, call, phone, in a/​the box, into a/​the box, soundproof, call, phone, in a/​the box, into a/​the boxkeep in a safe, locked safe, secure safe, safe deposit, safe place
Antonymsbag, sack-
Common mistakesConfused with 'crate' – a larger, sturdier container., Using 'box' as a verb without context – 'to box' means to package or fight, which can confuse listeners.Confusing 'safe' with 'safety' which means protection., Using 'safely' incorrectly as an adjective instead of an adverb., Using 'safe' in contexts where 'safeguard' is more appropriate.
Usage notesUse 'box' in both spoken and written English. It's appropriate for casual and formal contexts, like shipping items or storing goods. Avoid using it in abstract or metaphorical senses unless specified.Used in everyday conversation; appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Ensure clarity about what is 'safe' to avoid confusion.

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Box
The information is in the safe

Frequently asked questions: Box vs The information is in the safe

What's the difference between Box and The information is in the safe?

Box: A container with flat sides, usually made of cardboard or wood. The information is in the safe: A place to keep things safe.

Which is more common: Box and The information is in the safe?

Box is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Box: I received a large box from my friend. The information is in the safe: The information is in the safe.

Can I use Box and The information is in the safe interchangeably?

Not always. Box and The information is in the safe 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.

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