pack
A2Neutral. Common in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To put items into a container for storage or transport.
A collection of items grouped together; a set or bundle. Also refers to a group of animals (e.g., wolves). In computing, to compress data. In cards, a complete deck. Figuratively, to fill a space tightly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Noun and verb forms are both extremely common. The verb is dynamic, transitive, and highly combinable. The noun often implies purpose (e.g., a pack for hiking, a pack of cards).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, a 'pack' of items (e.g., cigarettes, cards) is often called a 'packet'. In US English, 'pack' is standard. For school supplies, UK: 'rucksack'; US: 'backpack' or 'pack' (for hiking).
Connotations
Similar. 'To pack a punch' is common in both. 'Pack' in business (e.g., 'product pack') is slightly more marketing-oriented in UK English.
Frequency
The verb is slightly more frequent in American English. The noun 'pack' (for animals) is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO: She packed her suitcase.SVOA: He packed the books into the box.SVOprepA: They packed the hall with people.SV: We need to pack for the trip.Passive: The stadium was packed.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pack a punch”
- “Pack it in”
- “Pack of lies”
- “Send someone packing”
- “Pack them in”
- “Pack heat”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to product packaging or bundled services (e.g., 'software pack', 'starter pack').
Academic
Used in computing ('data pack'), biology ('wolf pack'), and statistics ('data packed').
Everyday
Most common for travel, moving house, and shopping (e.g., 'a pack of gum').
Technical
In engineering: 'to pack a joint' (with sealant). In telecom: 'data pack'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He bought a pack of crisps from the vending machine.
- The wolf pack howled at the moon.
- You'll need a fresh pack of cards for the game.
- She carried a heavy pack on her shoulders.
American English
- Grab a pack of gum at the checkout.
- The senator accused them of telling a pack of lies.
- He's working out to get a six-pack.
- The software is sold in a starter pack.
verb
British English
- Could you pack the picnic things in the hamper?
- The fans packed into the stadium hours before the match.
- She's just packed in her job to travel.
- He packed a powerful right hook.
American English
- You need to pack your backpack for the hike.
- The committee was packed with his supporters.
- It's time to pack up and head home.
- This chili really packs a punch.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as standalone adverb) 'The people were packed tightly together.'
American English
- (Rare as standalone adverb) 'The boxes were stacked pack solid.'
adjective
British English
- The concert was a pack event. (less common)
- Pack ice hindered the ship's progress. (technical)
American English
- They offer a pack deal for phone and internet. (colloquial)
- Pack mentality can be dangerous. (figurative)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need to pack my school bag.
- She has a pack of coloured pencils.
- The wolves live in a pack.
- We should pack some sandwiches for the journey.
- He bought a new pack of batteries for the remote.
- The hall was packed for the concert.
- The politician's statement was dismissed as a pack of lies.
- You can pack an incredible amount of data into these new chips.
- The protesters packed the courtroom.
- The novel is packed with subtle allusions to classical mythology.
- They attempted to pack the jury with sympathetic individuals.
- Market forces will inevitably pack smaller firms into niche specialisations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a backpack PACKed so full it goes *PACK!* when you zip it shut.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINERS ARE FOR HOLDING THINGS (pack a suitcase). GROUPS ARE PACKS (a pack of journalists). INTENSITY IS PACKING (a speech packed with ideas).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить 'pack of wolves' как 'стая волков' в контексте карт ('pack of cards' = колода карт).
- 'Pack your bags' идиоматично означает 'собирать вещи', но может означать 'увольнение/расставание'.
- 'Six-pack' относится и к напиткам, и к мышцах живота.
- Глагол 'to pack' не всегда означает 'упаковывать' в смысле 'заворачивать' (wrap).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I packed my clothes in my suitcase.' (Correct but vague; better: 'I packed my suitcase with clothes.' or 'I put my clothes in my suitcase.')
- Incorrect: 'A pack of milk.' (Correct: 'a carton of milk').
- Incorrect: 'The room was packed by people.' (Correct: 'The room was packed with people.')
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'pack' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a regular verb: pack, packed, packed.
'Pack' is general (a pack of wolves, pack a bag). 'Package' is often a wrapped parcel or a software bundle. 'Packet' is usually a small container or a unit of data (UK: 'packet of crisps'; US: 'pack of chips').
Yes, informally. 'Pack it in' means to stop doing something. 'Pack up' can mean to finish work or to prepare to leave.
It's an idiom meaning to be crammed into a space extremely tightly, just like sardines are in a tin.