Is 'half-pound' written with a hyphen?

Yes, when used as a compound modifier before a noun (a half-pound steak). When used as a noun phrase, it can be written with or without a hyphen, but the hyphenated form is common.

Is 'half a pound' the same as 'half-pound'?

Essentially yes in meaning, but 'half a pound' is the more conversational phrasing, while 'half-pound' is more typical in commercial/attributive use (e.g., on packaging).

Do British people still use 'half-pound'?

Yes, but less frequently than in the past. It's used colloquially, especially by older generations, in market settings, or when referring to certain traditional products. Official labelling is in metric.

Can 'half-pound' be used for things other than weight?

Its primary use is for weight. It can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'a half-pound of trouble'), but this is informal and not standard.

half-pound

UK/ˌhɑːf ˈpaʊnd/US/ˌhæf ˈpaʊnd/

Semi-formal to informal; predominantly commercial/retail and culinary contexts.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A unit of weight equal to eight ounces, or 226.8 grams; half of one avoirdupois pound.

Used to describe a quantity, weight, or a product (especially of meat or produce) that is precisely half a pound. Can also refer metaphorically to something of moderate but significant weight or size.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily a noun compound, often used attributively (e.g., a half-pound steak). While literal, its usage is mostly restricted to contexts where precise weight measurement is relevant (shopping, recipes, packaging).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the UK, metric measurements (grams/kilograms) are official, making 'half-pound' less common in formal retail but still used colloquially, especially by older generations. In the US, imperial units remain standard in commerce, making 'half-pound' a common retail unit.

Connotations

In the UK, it may sound slightly old-fashioned or market-stall specific. In the US, it is a standard, neutral unit of measurement.

Frequency

Higher frequency in American English, particularly in food and grocery contexts. Lower and declining frequency in British English.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

half-pound ofhalf-pound burgerhalf-pound steakhalf-pound packhalf-pound weight

medium

a good half-poundroughly half-poundhalf-pound jarhalf-pound blockhalf-pound bar

weak

half-pound losshalf-pound increasehalf-pound differencehalf-pound note

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[verb] + half-pound + of + [noun] (buy a half-pound of cheese)[adjective] + half-pound + [noun] (a juicy half-pound burger)

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

half a poundeight oz

Neutral

eight ounces0.5 lb0.5 pounds

Weak

small packetmedium portion

Vocabulary

Antonyms

whole poundpoundsixteen ounceskilogram

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Not half a pound of something (used for emphasis: 'He's not half a pound shy of confidence!')”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in pricing and product description, e.g., 'sold in half-pound increments.'

Academic

Rare, except in historical or cultural studies discussing measurement systems.

Everyday

Common in grocery shopping, deli counters, and recipes, e.g., 'I need a half-pound of minced beef.'

Technical

Used in engineering or physics contexts when specifying weight in imperial units, though metric is preferred.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

She bought a half-pound wedge of Stilton.
The recipe calls for a half-pound packet of butter.

American English

He ordered a half-pound cheeseburger with fries.
Grab a half-pound bag of coffee beans.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The cheese costs £3 for a half-pound.

Could I have a half-pound of those ham slices, please?

The new half-pound chocolate bar is being marketed as a sharing size.

Regulations stipulate that the margin of error for a prepackaged half-pound product must not exceed 0.5%.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a standard packet of butter (in the US) – it's often one pound. A half-pound is half that block.

Conceptual Metaphor

WEIGHT IS SUBSTANCE / SIGNIFICANCE ('His argument didn't carry a half-pound of truth').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct calque 'пол-фунта' as the фунт is a different, archaic Russian unit. Use 'полфунта' only in historical context. Prefer metric: 'примерно 225 грамм' or 'полфунта' with explanation.
Do not confuse with 'half a kilo' (which is ~1.1 pounds).

Common Mistakes

Using it as an adjective without a hyphen ('half pound steak' is less standard).
Confusing it with 'half a kilo'.
Using plural 'half-pounds' is rare; prefer 'half-pound packets'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

For the recipe, you'll need a of minced meat.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'half-pound' MOST commonly used in American English?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, when used as a compound modifier before a noun (a half-pound steak). When used as a noun phrase, it can be written with or without a hyphen, but the hyphenated form is common.
: Essentially yes in meaning, but 'half a pound' is the more conversational phrasing, while 'half-pound' is more typical in commercial/attributive use (e.g., on packaging).
: Yes, but less frequently than in the past. It's used colloquially, especially by older generations, in market settings, or when referring to certain traditional products. Official labelling is in metric.
: Its primary use is for weight. It can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'a half-pound of trouble'), but this is informal and not standard.