a bit of tomato

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit of tomato" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity or piece of tomato, often in the context of food or cooking. Example: "I like to add a bit of tomato to my salad for extra flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In the west it may include a bit of tomato.

The Economist

It will veer Mediterranean, with a base of leeks and onions, a bit of tomato, potatoes, saffron and garlic.

The New York Times - Food

A bit of tomato is smeared on the bread, adding just the right amount of moisture and acidity.

The New York Times - Travel

I loved a salad Ms. Wong had made with creeping Jenny: the crunchy stems were delicious with a bit of tomato and mozzarella.

The New York Times

The usual simple seasonings are garlic and parsley, along with a little zip from peperoncino and a splash of white wine, or a bit of tomato.

The New York Times - Food

Stick-to-the-ribs potato gnocchi came in a bright ragù that married duck, orange, a bit of tomato and black olives.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

She then added stock and a bit of ripe tomato.

The New York Times - Food

Double tortillas were stacked with cole slaw, a slab of beautifully grilled fish, guacamole and a bit of fresh tomato salsa.

The New York Times

Inspiration can run free: a slick of mayonnaise, tiny bacon lardons and a bit of minced tomato on the leaf for a take on a B.L.T., or a layer of softly scrambled egg to top with salmon caviar and a dab of crème fraîche.

The New York Times

The most popular item on school-lunch menus, pizza, has been replaced with a "healthy" variety that, I'm told, tastes like a cracker made with sawdust with a bit of watery tomato and runny cheese on top.

Forbes

Some time later comes a kind of eggplant beignet with a bit of stewed tomato, then a creamy sweet potato soup poured out of a coffee pot over a spoonful of Greek yogurt and some crunchy bread crumbs.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bit of tomato" when you want to indicate a small, non-specific amount of tomato in a recipe or dish. It suggests the tomato is not the primary ingredient, but rather an addition for flavor or texture.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit of tomato" repetitively in descriptions. Vary your language by using more specific terms like "a slice of tomato", "a spoonful of tomato sauce", or "diced tomatoes" for better clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit of tomato" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically referring to a food item. It indicates a small quantity of tomato used as an ingredient or component. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bit of tomato" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a small quantity of tomato, typically in a culinary context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. For alternative expressions, consider "a touch of tomato" or "a hint of tomato" to add variety to your writing. When writing, remember to avoid overuse and consider more precise terms when necessary, ensuring clarity and impact in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of tomato

Replaces "bit" with "touch", implying a very small amount.

a hint of tomato

Similar to "touch", suggesting a subtle presence of tomato flavor.

a dash of tomato

Implies a quick and small addition of tomato.

a small amount of tomato

More formal and explicit about the quantity.

a little tomato

A simpler, more direct way to indicate a small quantity.

some tomato

More general, implying an unspecified small quantity.

a speck of tomato

Emphasizes an extremely small, almost negligible amount.

a trace of tomato

Suggests a barely perceptible presence of tomato.

a fragment of tomato

Emphasizes that the tomato is not whole, but in pieces.

a wisp of tomato

Implies an ethereal or almost nonexistent amount of tomato.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bit of tomato" to describe adding a small amount of tomato to a dish, for example, "I added "a bit of tomato" to the sauce for extra flavor".

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

Instead of "a bit of tomato", you could say "a touch of tomato", "a hint of tomato", or "a small amount of tomato" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a bit of tomato" or "some tomato"?

Both "a bit of tomato" and "some tomato" are acceptable, but "a bit of tomato" implies a smaller, more specific quantity than "some tomato".

When should I use "a bit of tomato" versus "diced tomatoes"?

Use "a bit of tomato" when the quantity is small and undefined. Use "diced tomatoes" when you are referring to tomatoes that have been specifically cut into small cubes as an ingredient.