a bite of cake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bite of cake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small piece or portion of cake that someone is about to eat or has eaten. Example: "After dinner, I couldn't resist having a bite of cake to satisfy my sweet tooth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I remember the moment well: I was reading the book on a plane and, after finishing the bland, boxy little dinner, took a bite of cake.

The New York Times - Health

When she tasted a bite of cake recently, she almost cried.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The journalist took a bite of chocolate cake.

The New Yorker

Far from the world of Benedict's favorite explorers, Hurley and Shackleton, Thesiger, Cook, Mackenzie and Sitting Bull, we shared a Brown Derby, which is a four-layer cake at a local restaurant called Grampa's Bakery in Dania, Fla ."What's next?" I asked Benedict as I took another photograph and he gave me a bite of his cake.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is no set rule that you and your partner have to feed each other a bite of the cake.

WikiHow

The truth is a bite of that cake won't make you gain weight -- but three pieces will.

WikiHow

By Macy Halford August 12 , 2008If a single bite of cake can invoke a lost world, can a single sentence summon up a seven-volume masterpiece?

The New Yorker

— Macy Halford If a single bite of cake can invoke a lost world, can a single sentence summon up a seven-volume masterpiece?

The New Yorker

Cretien van Campen, author of The Proust Effect: The Senses as Doorways to Lost Memories researches the ways different senses act like the madeleine for the French author Marcel Proust in In Search of Lost Time when a bite of the sweet cake takes him back to his childhood with all its smells, colours and feelings.

BBC

That jab to the back of the head when you're taking a bite of your crab cakes might even be a sign of warmth.

The New York Times - Food

When most people think of Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time," they think of the sublime madeleine scene, in which a bite of the tea-soaked cake conjures memories from the gardens of the narrator's childhood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bite of cake" to describe a small, often pleasurable, experience or indulgence. It can also be used metaphorically to represent a small part of a larger whole.

Common error

While "a bite of cake" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise language when describing portions or experiences in professional or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bite of cake" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a specific, quantifiable portion of cake. Ludwig AI's analysis of various texts confirms this usage, showing it describing both literal and metaphorical instances of taking a small part of something enjoyable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a bite of cake" functions as a noun phrase that describes a small portion of cake, often associated with pleasure and indulgence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Although generally neutral in register, it should be used judiciously in highly formal settings. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as on wiki sites. When a more precise alternative is needed, consider using phrases like "a small piece of cake" or "a taste of cake". The expression is valid and useful in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a morsel of cake

Replaces "bite" with "morsel", emphasizing the small quantity.

a small piece of cake

Substitutes "bite" with "small piece", making the quantity explicit.

a taste of cake

Replaces "bite" with "taste", focusing on the sensory experience.

a forkful of cake

Specifies the tool used to take the portion.

a spoonful of cake

Specifies the tool used to take the portion, implying a softer cake.

a sample of the cake

Shifts the focus to trying the cake, often in a testing context.

a sliver of cake

Implies a very thin or narrow piece.

a nibble of cake

Suggests a delicate or hesitant consumption.

a tiny portion of cake

Emphasizes the smallness of the serving.

a fragment of cake

Suggests a broken or incomplete piece.

FAQs

How can I use "a bite of cake" in a sentence?

You can use "a bite of cake" to describe the act of eating a small portion of cake, as in, "I took "a bite of cake" after dinner". It can also be used metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "a bite of cake"?

Alternatives include "a small piece of cake", "a taste of cake", or "a morsel of cake", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a bite of cake" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a bite of cake" might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise or elevated language depending on the tone and audience.

What does "a bite of cake" symbolize metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "a bite of cake" can represent a small indulgence, a moment of pleasure, or a minor part of a larger experience. It suggests something enjoyable but not necessarily substantial.