Meaning & use
gram
Last updated
UK/ɡræm/
US/ɡræm/
Meaning
nouncountable
A metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.
Grammar: Countable: use 'a gram' or 'two grams'. The abbreviation is 'g'.
Patterns
- a gram of something
- X grams of something
Add 200 grams of sugar to the mixture.
The package weighs about 500 grams.
This gold coin contains exactly one gram of pure gold.
Word forms
| plural | grams |
|---|
Common combinations
- a gram of
- She measured out a gram of yeast for the bread.
- grams of fat
- This yogurt has only 2 grams of fat per serving.
- per gram
- The price is $10 per gram.
- a few grams
- The difference is just a few grams, so it's not significant.
Synonyms and how they differ
- gramme
- The older British spelling of the same unit; still used in some contexts but 'gram' is now standard everywhere.
Word family
Commonly confused: gram or gramme? gram or grain?
gram vs gramme
This is the same unit, just an older British spelling. In modern writing, use 'gram'.
gram vs grain
A grain is a different, much smaller unit of mass (about 0.065 grams), used in older systems.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
When counting, 'gram' takes a plural: '100 grams'. You also need 'of' before the substance: '100 grams of flour'.
Make it your own
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