The kettle / water is boiling.

[Tan Elaine]

When a kettle of water is boiling, do native speakers say?

The kettle is boiling.

The water in the kettle is boiling. OR

The water is boiling.

Thanks.

 

[probus]

When a kettle of water is boiling, do native speakers say?

1. The kettle is boiling.

2. The water in the kettle is boiling. OR

3. The water is boiling.

Thanks.

Given that you've specified a kettle of water I'd say that 1. is the winner by a country mile.

 

[Rover_KE]

Even without specifying a kettle of water #1 is the winner by a country mile.

 

[emsr2d2]

We only say "The water's boiling", when the water is in a pan etc. Provided the water is in a kettle, we say "The kettle is boiling". I should add that, of course, it is not actually the kettle which is boiling, which means the statement is technically incorrect.