packet of biscuits

Meaning

This phrase refers to a paper or plastic wrapping containing multiple sweet biscuits (cookies in American English). It is a very common term in British, Australian, and Commonwealth English.

Examples

• I opened a packet of biscuits to go with our afternoon tea.

  I opened a packet of biscuits to go with our afternoon tea.

• He ate almost the entire packet of biscuits while watching the movie.

  He ate almost the entire packet of biscuits while watching the movie.

• Can you pass me that unopened packet of biscuits from the cupboard?

  Can you pass me that unopened packet of biscuits from the cupboard.

• She always keeps a packet of biscuits in her desk drawer for a quick snack.

  She always keeps a packet of biscuits in her desk drawer for a quick snack.

• We bought a cheap packet of biscuits, but they tasted surprisingly good.

  We bought a cheap packet of biscuits, but they tasted surprisingly good.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He bought a box of biscuits.

  ✓ He bought a packet of biscuits.

  While 'box' is sometimes used for premium assortments, the standard plastic/paper tube or wrapping is called a 'packet' in British English.

• ✗ I ate a bag of biscuits.

  ✓ I ate a packet of biscuits.

  'Bag' is typically used for chips or loose items, whereas biscuits are packed tightly in a cylindrical or rectangular 'packet'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We should open a new ___ to offer our guests with their tea.

  💡 A wrapped package of sweet baked goods to eat with tea.

  Show answer

  packet of biscuits

• He bought a chocolate-covered ___ at the corner shop.

  💡 A paper or plastic wrapping of cookies.

  Show answer

  packet of biscuits