boil some water
/bɔɪl sʌm ˈwɔːtər/
Meaning
This phrase means to heat water until it reaches its boiling point (100°C) and starts to bubble. It is a very common instruction when preparing tea, coffee, pasta, or vegetables.
Examples
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Could you boil some water for the pasta, please?
Could you boil some water for the pasta, please?
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I need to boil some water to make a cup of tea.
I need to boil some water to make a cup of tea.
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First, boil some water in a small pot.
First, boil some water in a small pot.
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It takes about five minutes to boil some water in this kettle.
It takes about five minutes to boil some water in this kettle.
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Before you add the rice, make sure to boil some water.
Before you add the rice, make sure to boil some water.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Make some water boil.
✓ Boil some water.
'Boil' can be used as a transitive verb directly with water as the object. 'Make some water boil' sounds unnatural.
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✗ Cook some water.
✓ Boil some water.
We use 'cook' for food, but for water, we specifically use the verb 'boil' when heating it to its boiling point.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I'll ___ for the coffee while you get the cups.
💡 Heat water until it bubbles.
Show answer
boil some water
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To make instant noodles, you just need to ___.
💡 Prepare hot water.
Show answer
boil some water