Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[strielka.]

Dear Teachers,

I though that it is correct to say : 'a can of Cola' and a 'tin of soup' . But I've seen 'a tin of cola' too. So may I say that?
Actually what is the difference between a can and a tin if there is any...?

(I have heard that 'tin' is using in GB and 'can' in US, is that true?)


thanks in advance

[Brian Boyd]

You're right - 'Tin' is used more in Britain and 'can' is used more in America (I'm not sure, but I think Americans don't use tin at all).

For drinks, British people use 'can' - a can of Coke, a can of beer, a can of Pepsi etc

British people tend to use 'tin' more with things that need a tin opener to get at what's inside ... things like a tin of soup, a tin of beans, a tin of dog food or a tin of rice pudding.

[Lorikeet]

[Brian Boyd]

You're right, Lorikeet - a 'tin' is more commonly used for larger tins - like for cookies or quality street etc

I think 'tin' is an older word - maybe more commonly used by older people. The more American 'can' is becoming more and more commonly used.

I haven't lived in Britain for 5 years, but I can imagine that young people use 'can' a lot more now.

For me - being an old geezer - it's still a 'tin' of beans.

[JuanValdez]

Americans use "tin" to refer to small things too, such as Altoid's containers. Further, "tin" is commonly misused when referring to aluminum foil. (also known as tin foil.)

[strielka.]

thank you all!




Ania