A1noun1K

Bag

UK /["/bæɡ/"]/US /["/bæɡ/"]/

Definition

a container made of cloth, leather, plastic or paper, used to carry things in, especially when shopping or travelling

In simple words: A container made of flexible material used for carrying things.

Examples

  • I put my lunch in a bag before heading to work.
  • She carries a stylish bag to every event.
  • After shopping, I had a heavy bag full of groceries.
  • He was excited to bag a trophy in the competition.
  • Don't forget to bag the leaves in the yard this weekend.
  • The photographer used a special bag to protect the camera.
  • We should bag some deals during the sale this weekend.
  • She bought a new bag that matched her shoes.

Usage notes

Use 'bag' in everyday conversation to describe any type of carrying container. It's appropriate in both casual and more formal contexts. Avoid using 'bag' for very specific or different types of containers, like 'box' or 'basket'.

Grammar pattern

bag + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'bag' like a 'big' container to 'carry' your stuff.

Collocations

  • strong
  • heavy
  • empty
  • open
  • unzip
  • close
  • bulge (with something)
  • contain something
  • hold something
  • in a/​the bag
  • inside a/​the bag
  • bag of
  • the contents of a bag
  • have your bags packed
  • sling your bag over your shoulder
  • strong
  • heavy
  • empty
  • open
  • unzip
  • close
  • bulge (with something)
  • contain something
  • hold something
  • in a/​the bag
  • inside a/​the bag
  • bag of
  • the contents of a bag
  • have your bags packed
  • sling your bag over your shoulder

Synonyms

  • pouch
  • sack
  • carrier
  • case
  • receptacle

Antonyms

  • box
  • container

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'sack' when referring to larger bags.
  • Using 'bag' to describe non-flexible containers.
  • Incorrectly pluralizing as 'bags' when it’s a collective term.