can opener

Meaning

A can opener is a manual or electric tool used to open metal cans. It is an essential kitchen utensil found in almost every household for opening canned food like soup, beans, or tuna.

Examples

• I need a can opener to open this tin of soup.

  I need a can opener to open this tin of soup.

• Do you prefer a manual can opener or an electric one?

  Do you prefer a manual can opener or an electric one.

• I can't find the can opener in any of these kitchen drawers.

  I can't find the can opener in any of these kitchen drawers.

• Could you pass me the can opener? This tomato paste doesn't have a pull tab.

  Could you pass me the can opener? This tomato paste doesn't have a pull tab.

• We bought a heavy-duty can opener for our camping trip.

  We bought a heavy-duty can opener for our camping trip.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Where is the opener of cans?

  ✓ Where is the can opener?

  English uses the compound noun 'can opener' rather than 'opener of cans' to describe this tool.

• ✗ I used a bottle opener to open this soup.

  ✓ I used a can opener to open this soup.

  A bottle opener is used for bottles with metal caps, while a can opener is specifically designed to cut open sealed metal cans.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I bought some canned beans, but I can't find the ___ to open them.

  💡 A tool used to open metal cans.

  Show answer

  can opener

• An electric ___ makes opening soup tins much easier for elderly people.

  💡 The kitchen tool that cuts open metal cans.

  Show answer

  can opener