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“A tin of biscuits” vs “A biscuit tin”
Why do people say “a bus stop” instead of “a stop of buses”?What's the difference between a can and a tin?Cookie or Biscuit“If he were to do” vs. “if he did”Are “Says who?” and “Who says?” interchangable?
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"A tin of biscuits" vs "A biscuit tin" Is there any slight difference in meaning between that two phrases?
I'm not sure but I think there's a tiny difference in their meaning. Like, a tin of biscuits is about to emphasize that it's a tin with biscuits inside, while a biscuit tin emphasizes it's the bin, not the package.
Do you think it's so, or I'm just overthinking and the two phrases are the same, there's no, even a teeny-weeny difference in meaning?
P.S. Why do people say "a bus stop" instead of "a stop of buses"? has already had the answer and is somewhat relative to this question. So enjoy it if you like.
difference
add a comment
|
"A tin of biscuits" vs "A biscuit tin" Is there any slight difference in meaning between that two phrases?
I'm not sure but I think there's a tiny difference in their meaning. Like, a tin of biscuits is about to emphasize that it's a tin with biscuits inside, while a biscuit tin emphasizes it's the bin, not the package.
Do you think it's so, or I'm just overthinking and the two phrases are the same, there's no, even a teeny-weeny difference in meaning?
P.S. Why do people say "a bus stop" instead of "a stop of buses"? has already had the answer and is somewhat relative to this question. So enjoy it if you like.
difference
add a comment
|
"A tin of biscuits" vs "A biscuit tin" Is there any slight difference in meaning between that two phrases?
I'm not sure but I think there's a tiny difference in their meaning. Like, a tin of biscuits is about to emphasize that it's a tin with biscuits inside, while a biscuit tin emphasizes it's the bin, not the package.
Do you think it's so, or I'm just overthinking and the two phrases are the same, there's no, even a teeny-weeny difference in meaning?
P.S. Why do people say "a bus stop" instead of "a stop of buses"? has already had the answer and is somewhat relative to this question. So enjoy it if you like.
difference
"A tin of biscuits" vs "A biscuit tin" Is there any slight difference in meaning between that two phrases?
I'm not sure but I think there's a tiny difference in their meaning. Like, a tin of biscuits is about to emphasize that it's a tin with biscuits inside, while a biscuit tin emphasizes it's the bin, not the package.
Do you think it's so, or I'm just overthinking and the two phrases are the same, there's no, even a teeny-weeny difference in meaning?
P.S. Why do people say "a bus stop" instead of "a stop of buses"? has already had the answer and is somewhat relative to this question. So enjoy it if you like.
difference
difference
edited 2 hours ago
Pith
asked 15 hours ago
PithPith
725 bronze badges
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4 Answers
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No, you are not overthinking. There is definitely a difference, and the difference is the one you have described. A "tin of biscuits" refers to the biscuits within, whereas a "biscuit tin" generally refers to the tin itself.
Of course, if the tin is full of biscuits, then the two terms converge in practice. For instance, the two phrases:
"Please fetch me the tin of biscuits from the pantry"
and
"Please fetch me the biscuit tin from the pantry"
will mean exactly the same if the person requesting the tin is hungry and knows there are still biscuits inside! :)
As an aside, back in earlier decades (e.g. in the 1960s), people would collect the tins themselves (especially if they were very pretty) and re-use them to store other items.
I still have several biscuit tins from family members who have passed away (e.g. a biscuit tin full of assorted nails and screws from my grandfather and another full of interesting buttons from my grandmother). Even if I don't need the items within, I keep them for nostalgic reasons.
1
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
2
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Compare it to A pack of crisps and a crisp packet. A box of shoes and a shoe box. a box of cigars and a cigar box. A barrel of oil and an oil barrel. A chest of treasure and a treasure chest, a barrel of wine and a wine barrel.
The first form states a substance, some items, associated with the container. The second form emphasizes the type of container, with or without it's contents.
add a comment
|
My mother in law has a biscuit barrel, these are still common
Hers is like this:
(they don't all look like little kegs):
Google Images (biscuit barrel)
1
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
2
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
I agree generally with the previous responses, but have one minor detail to add.
Semantically, the difference between "a tin of biscuits" and a "biscuit tin" can be significant. The first refers to an object, a tin, which contains biscuits, whether or not it was originally meant for that purpose. The second refers to a tin which was made to contain biscuits. Thus, a biscuit tin is still a biscuit tin, even after you have eaten all the biscuits!
Example 1: Look, Mom: Grandma sent me a tin of biscuits for Christmas, and they're my favorite kind. I do wish she hadn't sent them in this old tobacco tin -- yucky!
Example 2: Grandma, are you going to use that empty biscuit tin? I'd like to have it to store part of my bottle cap collection.
New contributor
add a comment
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
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active
oldest
votes
No, you are not overthinking. There is definitely a difference, and the difference is the one you have described. A "tin of biscuits" refers to the biscuits within, whereas a "biscuit tin" generally refers to the tin itself.
Of course, if the tin is full of biscuits, then the two terms converge in practice. For instance, the two phrases:
"Please fetch me the tin of biscuits from the pantry"
and
"Please fetch me the biscuit tin from the pantry"
will mean exactly the same if the person requesting the tin is hungry and knows there are still biscuits inside! :)
As an aside, back in earlier decades (e.g. in the 1960s), people would collect the tins themselves (especially if they were very pretty) and re-use them to store other items.
I still have several biscuit tins from family members who have passed away (e.g. a biscuit tin full of assorted nails and screws from my grandfather and another full of interesting buttons from my grandmother). Even if I don't need the items within, I keep them for nostalgic reasons.
1
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
2
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
No, you are not overthinking. There is definitely a difference, and the difference is the one you have described. A "tin of biscuits" refers to the biscuits within, whereas a "biscuit tin" generally refers to the tin itself.
Of course, if the tin is full of biscuits, then the two terms converge in practice. For instance, the two phrases:
"Please fetch me the tin of biscuits from the pantry"
and
"Please fetch me the biscuit tin from the pantry"
will mean exactly the same if the person requesting the tin is hungry and knows there are still biscuits inside! :)
As an aside, back in earlier decades (e.g. in the 1960s), people would collect the tins themselves (especially if they were very pretty) and re-use them to store other items.
I still have several biscuit tins from family members who have passed away (e.g. a biscuit tin full of assorted nails and screws from my grandfather and another full of interesting buttons from my grandmother). Even if I don't need the items within, I keep them for nostalgic reasons.
1
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
2
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
No, you are not overthinking. There is definitely a difference, and the difference is the one you have described. A "tin of biscuits" refers to the biscuits within, whereas a "biscuit tin" generally refers to the tin itself.
Of course, if the tin is full of biscuits, then the two terms converge in practice. For instance, the two phrases:
"Please fetch me the tin of biscuits from the pantry"
and
"Please fetch me the biscuit tin from the pantry"
will mean exactly the same if the person requesting the tin is hungry and knows there are still biscuits inside! :)
As an aside, back in earlier decades (e.g. in the 1960s), people would collect the tins themselves (especially if they were very pretty) and re-use them to store other items.
I still have several biscuit tins from family members who have passed away (e.g. a biscuit tin full of assorted nails and screws from my grandfather and another full of interesting buttons from my grandmother). Even if I don't need the items within, I keep them for nostalgic reasons.
No, you are not overthinking. There is definitely a difference, and the difference is the one you have described. A "tin of biscuits" refers to the biscuits within, whereas a "biscuit tin" generally refers to the tin itself.
Of course, if the tin is full of biscuits, then the two terms converge in practice. For instance, the two phrases:
"Please fetch me the tin of biscuits from the pantry"
and
"Please fetch me the biscuit tin from the pantry"
will mean exactly the same if the person requesting the tin is hungry and knows there are still biscuits inside! :)
As an aside, back in earlier decades (e.g. in the 1960s), people would collect the tins themselves (especially if they were very pretty) and re-use them to store other items.
I still have several biscuit tins from family members who have passed away (e.g. a biscuit tin full of assorted nails and screws from my grandfather and another full of interesting buttons from my grandmother). Even if I don't need the items within, I keep them for nostalgic reasons.
edited 15 hours ago
answered 15 hours ago
TechnoCatTechnoCat
1,2184 silver badges9 bronze badges
1,2184 silver badges9 bronze badges
1
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
2
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
1
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
2
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
1
1
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
My mother in law has a 'biscuit barrel'.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
@MichaelHarvey - And I'm sure it is always full! :) For the benefit of all of us on this question, what does a biscuit barrel look like?
– TechnoCat
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
I like the Viscounts best.
– Michael Harvey
15 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
Note: British biscuits are widely called 'cookies' in American English, I believe.
– Michael Harvey
14 hours ago
2
2
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
A biscuit tin would translate to a tin for biscuits if a preposition were used. A tin of biscuits, as you say, is roughly a tin filled with biscuits.
– Jason Bassford
2 hours ago
|
show 3 more comments
Compare it to A pack of crisps and a crisp packet. A box of shoes and a shoe box. a box of cigars and a cigar box. A barrel of oil and an oil barrel. A chest of treasure and a treasure chest, a barrel of wine and a wine barrel.
The first form states a substance, some items, associated with the container. The second form emphasizes the type of container, with or without it's contents.
add a comment
|
Compare it to A pack of crisps and a crisp packet. A box of shoes and a shoe box. a box of cigars and a cigar box. A barrel of oil and an oil barrel. A chest of treasure and a treasure chest, a barrel of wine and a wine barrel.
The first form states a substance, some items, associated with the container. The second form emphasizes the type of container, with or without it's contents.
add a comment
|
Compare it to A pack of crisps and a crisp packet. A box of shoes and a shoe box. a box of cigars and a cigar box. A barrel of oil and an oil barrel. A chest of treasure and a treasure chest, a barrel of wine and a wine barrel.
The first form states a substance, some items, associated with the container. The second form emphasizes the type of container, with or without it's contents.
Compare it to A pack of crisps and a crisp packet. A box of shoes and a shoe box. a box of cigars and a cigar box. A barrel of oil and an oil barrel. A chest of treasure and a treasure chest, a barrel of wine and a wine barrel.
The first form states a substance, some items, associated with the container. The second form emphasizes the type of container, with or without it's contents.
answered 3 hours ago
com.prehensiblecom.prehensible
2011 silver badge3 bronze badges
2011 silver badge3 bronze badges
add a comment
|
add a comment
|
My mother in law has a biscuit barrel, these are still common
Hers is like this:
(they don't all look like little kegs):
Google Images (biscuit barrel)
1
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
2
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
My mother in law has a biscuit barrel, these are still common
Hers is like this:
(they don't all look like little kegs):
Google Images (biscuit barrel)
1
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
2
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
My mother in law has a biscuit barrel, these are still common
Hers is like this:
(they don't all look like little kegs):
Google Images (biscuit barrel)
My mother in law has a biscuit barrel, these are still common
Hers is like this:
(they don't all look like little kegs):
Google Images (biscuit barrel)
answered 15 hours ago
Michael HarveyMichael Harvey
24.6k1 gold badge28 silver badges50 bronze badges
24.6k1 gold badge28 silver badges50 bronze badges
1
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
2
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
1
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
2
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
1
1
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
Oh yes! We had one just like this! From a jumble sale! I also saw a mustard coloured china woven basketry effect one, once. Similar barrel shape, china lid, no handle. Fairly horrid.
– Jelila
12 hours ago
2
2
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
But how does this in any way answer the question?
– pipe
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
It provides additional information, and it provides an example of the noun - noun type of construction.
– Michael Harvey
7 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
In American English, this would be called a "cookie jar" indicating its function (although to my eye it looks like an ice bucket). Also, in American English, something this small might be called a barrel to indicate its shape, but the item itself would more normally called a bucket or a pail.
– Steven the Easily Amused
3 hours ago
add a comment
|
I agree generally with the previous responses, but have one minor detail to add.
Semantically, the difference between "a tin of biscuits" and a "biscuit tin" can be significant. The first refers to an object, a tin, which contains biscuits, whether or not it was originally meant for that purpose. The second refers to a tin which was made to contain biscuits. Thus, a biscuit tin is still a biscuit tin, even after you have eaten all the biscuits!
Example 1: Look, Mom: Grandma sent me a tin of biscuits for Christmas, and they're my favorite kind. I do wish she hadn't sent them in this old tobacco tin -- yucky!
Example 2: Grandma, are you going to use that empty biscuit tin? I'd like to have it to store part of my bottle cap collection.
New contributor
add a comment
|
I agree generally with the previous responses, but have one minor detail to add.
Semantically, the difference between "a tin of biscuits" and a "biscuit tin" can be significant. The first refers to an object, a tin, which contains biscuits, whether or not it was originally meant for that purpose. The second refers to a tin which was made to contain biscuits. Thus, a biscuit tin is still a biscuit tin, even after you have eaten all the biscuits!
Example 1: Look, Mom: Grandma sent me a tin of biscuits for Christmas, and they're my favorite kind. I do wish she hadn't sent them in this old tobacco tin -- yucky!
Example 2: Grandma, are you going to use that empty biscuit tin? I'd like to have it to store part of my bottle cap collection.
New contributor
add a comment
|
I agree generally with the previous responses, but have one minor detail to add.
Semantically, the difference between "a tin of biscuits" and a "biscuit tin" can be significant. The first refers to an object, a tin, which contains biscuits, whether or not it was originally meant for that purpose. The second refers to a tin which was made to contain biscuits. Thus, a biscuit tin is still a biscuit tin, even after you have eaten all the biscuits!
Example 1: Look, Mom: Grandma sent me a tin of biscuits for Christmas, and they're my favorite kind. I do wish she hadn't sent them in this old tobacco tin -- yucky!
Example 2: Grandma, are you going to use that empty biscuit tin? I'd like to have it to store part of my bottle cap collection.
New contributor
I agree generally with the previous responses, but have one minor detail to add.
Semantically, the difference between "a tin of biscuits" and a "biscuit tin" can be significant. The first refers to an object, a tin, which contains biscuits, whether or not it was originally meant for that purpose. The second refers to a tin which was made to contain biscuits. Thus, a biscuit tin is still a biscuit tin, even after you have eaten all the biscuits!
Example 1: Look, Mom: Grandma sent me a tin of biscuits for Christmas, and they're my favorite kind. I do wish she hadn't sent them in this old tobacco tin -- yucky!
Example 2: Grandma, are you going to use that empty biscuit tin? I'd like to have it to store part of my bottle cap collection.
New contributor
edited 4 hours ago
J.R.♦
106k9 gold badges140 silver badges261 bronze badges
106k9 gold badges140 silver badges261 bronze badges
New contributor
answered 5 hours ago
Fred TessensohnFred Tessensohn
211 bronze badge
211 bronze badge
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment
|
add a comment
|
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