a bit of butter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of butter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity of butter, often in the context of cooking or baking. Example: "For this recipe, you will need a bit of butter to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

She prefers a bit of butter.

The New York Times - Books

Grease baking sheet with a bit of butter.

The New York Times - Food

"She left a bit of butter in the Marmite!" she replies.

Independent

All you'd need is a bit of butter and some sea salt.

Independent

It's spectacular brushed on fresh corn on the cob with a bit of butter.

The New Yorker

Bertie brought a bit of butter, But the butter it turned bitter.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

A dollop of bacon drippings provides incomparable flavor, and corn oil can impart a bit of buttered-popcorn flavor.

The New York Times - Food

A bit of drawn butter would have been enough.

The New York Times

Use any left over in sandwiches: with a bit of salted butter, it knocks rocket into a beret.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For most dishes chefs prefer the unsalted, but Mr. Ripert reheats blanched vegetables in broth and then adds a bit of salted butter at the end to make a thin sauce.

The New York Times - Food

In hard times, a bit of fresh butter can be a beautiful luxury, an orange a rare treat.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bit of butter" in recipes, specify the amount more precisely (e.g., "a teaspoon of butter") for clarity, especially for novice cooks.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on "a bit of butter" in your writing. While acceptable, varying your language with more descriptive terms (e.g., "a knob", "a sliver", "a touch") can make your writing more engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of butter" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an adverbial modifier within a sentence. It usually quantifies a small amount of butter used in a recipe or culinary application, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

13%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bit of butter" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a small quantity of butter, mainly in cooking and baking contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While highly frequent in culinary settings across News & Media and Wiki sources, varying your vocabulary with alternatives like "a touch of butter" or "a dab of butter" can enhance your writing. Remember to be specific when providing instructions, especially for less experienced cooks. Avoid overuse, and consider the overall tone and context of your writing to ensure the phrase fits appropriately. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how "a bit of butter" is widely used in practical and descriptive culinary contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small quantity of butter

Replaces "bit" with a more formal "quantity", emphasizing the small amount.

a dab of butter

Uses "dab" to describe a small amount, implying a quick application.

a pat of butter

Refers to a pre-portioned, small piece of butter.

a touch of butter

Emphasizes the subtle addition of butter for flavor or texture.

a small amount of butter

Similar to "a small quantity", but uses "amount" for a slightly less formal tone.

a knob of butter

Uses "knob" to indicate a small, irregularly shaped piece.

a smidgen of butter

Employs "smidgen" for a very tiny amount, often used humorously.

a dollop of butter

Suggests a soft, rounded mass of butter.

a sliver of butter

Implies a thin, narrow piece of butter.

a fraction of butter

Highlights the smallness of the butter portion relative to a whole.

FAQs

How can I use "a bit of butter" in a sentence?

You can use "a bit of butter" to describe a small amount of butter used in cooking, baking, or as a condiment. For example: "She added "a bit of butter" to the pan to prevent the eggs from sticking."

What are some alternatives to saying "a bit of butter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a dab of butter", "a touch of butter", or "a small amount of butter".

Is it more appropriate to say "a little butter" or "a bit of butter"?

"A little butter" and "a bit of butter" are both acceptable and often interchangeable. "A little butter" might sound slightly more casual, while "a bit of butter" can be used in both casual and slightly more formal contexts.

Can "a bit of butter" be used metaphorically?

While primarily used literally, "a bit of butter" can metaphorically represent something that enhances or improves a situation slightly, similar to how butter enhances the flavor of food. However, this usage is less common.