What is bag? Pronunciation and usage in English

bag means . Learn how to pronounce and use bag through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bag

bagnoun

/baɡ/
Definition & pronunciation of bag

The word "bag" in English is pronounced "beg".

It rhymes with "egg" and "leg".

Here's a breakdown:

  • ba - sounds like "ba" in "ball"
  • g - sounds like "g" in "go"

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Usage and examples with the word bag in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bag" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Literal Bags (Containers):

  • Holding things: This is the most common meaning.
    • "I packed my clothes in a bag."
    • "She carried a shopping bag."
    • "He has a gym bag."
    • "Can you please pick up the bag of groceries?"
  • Types of Bags: You can specify the type of bag:
    • Shopping bag: "A paper shopping bag"
    • Backpack: "He’s carrying a heavy backpack."
    • Suitcase: “She’s taking a large suitcase.”
    • Paper bag: "The apples were in a paper bag."
    • Plastic bag: "Please put your trash in a plastic bag."
    • Tote bag: "She has a stylish tote bag."

2. Figurative Meanings (Expressions):

  • A Large Amount: This is a very common figure of speech.
    • “He’s got a bag of money.” (Meaning: He's rich)
    • “She’s got a bag of tricks.” (Meaning: She’s clever and resourceful)
    • “They’ve got a bag of problems.” (Meaning: They have many problems)
  • Good Skills/Talents:
    • “He’s got a bag of goals.” (Meaning: He’s good at scoring) - often used in sports.
  • Drugs (Informal, often negative): Use with extreme caution - this is slang and can be problematic.
    • "He was caught with a bag of weed." (Meaning: He had marijuana) - This is often considered offensive and can have legal consequences.

3. Other Uses:

  • Bag (as a verb): To carry something in a bag.
    • "I bagged my groceries." (Meaning: I carried my groceries in a bag.)
  • Bag (a plant): A type of plant, often herbaceous.
    • "Bagroot" - a plant species.
  • Bag (a process - finance): To “bag” something in finance refers to a rapid increase in the value of an investment. "The stock started to bag quickly after the announcement."
  • Bag (in a game/sport): (Sports) – to score a point. “He bagged three goals in the game.”

4. Slang (Varied and Regional):

  • “Bag” (as a term for a person - VERY offensive): This is incredibly offensive slang used to describe a gay man. DO NOT USE THIS WORD. It’s deeply hurtful and contributes to discrimination.
  • “Bag a date” (Slang): To ask someone out on a date. “He tried to bag a date at the party.”

Tips for Using "Bag" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand the intended meaning.
  • Be mindful of slang: Avoid using slang terms like “bag” in formal settings or when you're unsure of the recipient's understanding.
  • Consider the implications: The figurative use of "bag" can be powerful, but be aware of the potential impact of your words.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word bag

Idioms of the word bag

(not) somebody’s bag
(informal)(not) something that you are interested in or good at
  • Poetry isn't really my bag.
bag and baggage
with all your possessions, especially secretly or suddenly
  • He threw her out onto the street, bag and baggage.
a bag of bones
(informal)a very thin person or animal
  • The cat hadn’t been fed for weeks and was just a bag of bones.
a bag/box of tricks
(informal)a set of methods or equipment that somebody can use
  • Hotel managers are using a whole new bag of tricks to attract their guests.
be a bag/bundle of nerves
(informal)to be very nervous
  • By the time of the interview, I was a bundle of nerves.
be in the bag
(informal)if something is in the bag, it is almost certain to be won or achieved
    leave somebody holding the bag
    (North American English, informal)to suddenly make somebody responsible for something important, such as finishing a difficult job, that is really your responsibility
    • You two were going to fly off and leave me holding the bag.
    let the cat out of the bag
    to tell a secret carelessly or by mistake
    • I wanted it to be a surprise, but my sister let the cat out of the bag.
    pack your bags
    (informal)to leave a person or place permanently, especially after an argument
      pull it/something out of the bag
      (informal)to succeed in doing something difficult by making an extra effort or doing something clever or surprising
      • We managed to pull it out of the bag despite not being at our best for most of the game.

      Practice with vocabulary bag

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. She packed her lunch in a reusable ______ to be more eco-friendly.
      2. The teacher asked the students to place their books in their ______ before leaving.
      3. He carried his tools in a sturdy toolbox, not a ______.
      4. The traveler forgot his ______ at the hotel and had to go back to retrieve it.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following items is most commonly used to carry groceries?
        a) Bag
        b) Backpack
        c) Suitcase
        d) Box

      2. What is the best word to describe a container with handles for carrying personal belongings?
        a) Bag
        b) Pouch
        c) Briefcase
        d) Envelope

      3. Which of these can be used to describe a container for trash?
        a) Bin
        b) Sack
        c) Bag
        d) Jar

      4. Which item is typically used to store and carry small items like cosmetics?
        a) Pouch
        b) Bag
        c) Wallet
        d) Cup

      5. What word describes a flat, rectangular container often used for documents?
        a) Portfolio
        b) Bag
        c) Backpack
        d) Briefcase

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: She carried her groceries in a plastic container.
        Rewrite: She carried her groceries in a plastic bag.

      2. Original: He forgot his luggage at the airport.
        Rewrite: He forgot his travel bag at the airport.

      3. Original: The student placed her notebooks in her backpack.
        Rewrite: The student placed her notebooks in her school bag.

      Answer:

      Exercise 1:

      1. bag
      2. bags
      3. bag
      4. luggage

      Exercise 2:

      1. a) Bag
      2. a) Bag
      3. c) Bag
      4. b) Bag
      5. d) Briefcase

      Exercise 3:

      1. She carried her groceries in a plastic bag.
      2. He forgot his travel bag at the airport.
      3. The student placed her notebooks in her school bag.

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