Describing what something contains

The idea

Use contain with the contents as a direct object. A singular subject takes contains; the past is contained.

Examples

• The jar contains dried beans.
• This report contains three maps.
• The sauce contains milk.
• The box contained a small lamp.
• Does the envelope contain a ticket?
• The booklet contains useful advice.

Watch out

Do not add of before the contents: say contains milk, not contains of milk.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct answer. The label ___ three ingredients. (contains / contain)

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   contains

   contains agrees with the singular label.

2. Choose the correct answer. This snack contains ___. (nuts / of nuts)

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   nuts

   nuts names the contents directly.

3. Choose the correct answer. Yesterday the parcel ___ a scarf. (contained / contain)

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   contained

   contained places the contents in the past.

Use it today

Describe what a package or document contains.