Case and board are common English words that combine with other words to make new nouns for school items and furniture. These are called compound nouns. They help us name things like where we put pencils or where we write in class.
A case is a container, like a box, for keeping things safe. For example, a pencil case holds pencils. A board is a flat piece of material. For example, a whiteboard is for writing with markers. Understanding these words helps you talk about your classroom and home easily. You will learn six important words today: pencil case, bookcase, glasses case, whiteboard, keyboard, and cupboard.
What are Compound Nouns with Case and Board?
In English, sometimes two words join together to make one new word. This new word has a special meaning. These are called compound nouns.
- A case is a box or container. It holds things.
- A board is a flat piece of material. We can use it for different things.
When we add another word to case or board, we get a new word for an object.
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Words with Case: What Do They Hold?
These words tell us what kind of things a container holds.
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A pencil case is a small bag or box for your pencils, pens, and erasers.
I put my pens in my pencil case.
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A bookcase is a piece of furniture with shelves. It is for keeping books.
My new bookcase is full of books.
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A glasses case is a small, hard container. It protects your glasses when you are not wearing them.
She keeps her glasses in a glasses case.
Words with Board: What Are They For?
These words tell us about flat surfaces used for specific tasks or as part of furniture.
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A whiteboard is a smooth, white surface. You can write on it with special markers and then erase it easily.
The teacher writes on the whiteboard.
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A keyboard is a set of keys on a computer or a musical instrument. We use it to type letters and numbers.
I type on the computer keyboard.
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A cupboard is a piece of furniture with doors and shelves. It is for storing food, plates, or other items.
The plates are in the cupboard.
How Do We Use These Words?
You can use these words to talk about objects in your classroom, home, or office.
- My pencil case is red.
- There are many books on the bookcase.
- Please put your glasses in the glasses case.
- Can you clean the whiteboard?
- I need a new keyboard for my computer.
- The food is in the cupboard.
| Word | What it is | What it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil case | A small container | To hold pencils and pens |
| Bookcase | Furniture with shelves | To store books |
| Glasses case | A small, protective container | To keep glasses safe |
| Whiteboard | A flat, white surface | To write and draw with markers |
| Keyboard | A set of keys | To type on a computer |
| Cupboard | Furniture with doors and shelves | To store food or other items |
Examples
- I open my pencil case to get a pen.
- The bookcase is next to the window.
- He always carries his glasses case.
- Let's draw a picture on the whiteboard.
- My keyboard has big letters.
- She put the cups in the cupboard.
Practice
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Chat with an Advisor on WhatsAppCommon mistakes for Spanish speakers
Many learners make small mistakes with these words. Here are some common ones:
- Using 'case of pencils' instead of pencil case: In English, we say pencil case. I have a pencil case. (NOT: I have a case of pencils.)
- Confusing cupboard with a table or shelf: A cupboard is a piece of furniture with doors. A shelf is just a flat piece of wood or metal. The milk is in the cupboard. (NOT: The milk is on the shelf. if it's inside a closed unit).
- Saying 'white board' (two words) instead of whiteboard (one word): It is one word when it means the writing surface. Look at the whiteboard. (NOT: Look at the white board.)
Frequently asked questions
What is a pencil case?
A pencil case is a container, like a small bag or box, where you keep pencils, pens, and other small school supplies.
What is a whiteboard?
A whiteboard is a smooth, white surface in a classroom or office. You write on it with special markers, and you can erase it easily.
Can 'case' and 'board' be used alone?
Yes, case and board can be used alone. For example, He has a difficult case. (meaning a problem) or The board is made of wood. (meaning a piece of wood). But when they are part of words like pencil case or whiteboard, they have a specific meaning for an object.
What is the difference between a cupboard and a shelf?
A cupboard is a piece of furniture with doors, usually used for storing things inside. A shelf is a flat, open surface, often attached to a wall or inside a cupboard or bookcase, where you place items.
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