a dab of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dab of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small amount of something, often in cooking or crafting contexts. Example: "Add a dab of mustard to the sandwich for extra flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A dab of paint.

The New Yorker

Finish with a dab of margarine.

The New York Times - Food

He had a dab of shaving foam under one earlobe.

The New Yorker

Of course, there's not a dab of floozy in me.

The New York Times

"Siu yuk" may come with a dab of mustard.

The New York Times

A dab of butter increases the lustre factor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A dab of Russian Red, a swirl of Mellow Yellow.

The New York Times - Food

A dab of mayonnaise, almost the real thing.

The New York Times

He played games too by, for example, putting a dab of red next to a dab of blue which, from a distance is perceived as being purple.

The Guardian - Books

A dab of tomato jam countered the richness of the duck.

The New York Times

I love Tsuki's bonito, served with a dab of mayonnaise and grated ginger.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dab of" to describe adding a small amount of a substance, like ingredients in cooking or paint in art projects.

Common error

While "a dab of" is widely accepted, it can sound informal in certain contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "a small amount of" or "a trace of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dab of" functions as a quantifier, specifying a small, indefinite amount of a substance or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, exemplified in various contexts like cooking ("a dab of butter") or personal care ("a dab of lipstick").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

24%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dab of" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to indicate a small amount of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in informal contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of your writing; in more formal settings, alternatives like "a small amount of" or "a touch of" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "a dab of" when subtlety is key, whether it's adding a flavor or applying a cosmetic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of

Emphasizes a delicate or subtle application, often in cooking or adding flavor.

a hint of

Suggests a faint or subtle presence, focusing on the sensory experience.

a smidgen of

Informal term for a tiny amount, adding a playful tone.

a spot of

Indicates a small, localized amount, often used for liquids or pastes.

a speck of

Highlights an extremely small particle or trace amount.

a bit of

A general term for a small quantity, applicable in various contexts.

a dash of

Commonly used for adding a small amount of liquid, often in cooking or drinks.

a trace of

Highlights a barely perceptible amount, often suggesting residue or remaining presence.

a soupçon of

A sophisticated term, borrowed from French, suggesting a very small amount.

a modicum of

Formal term suggesting a small but sufficient amount, especially of something abstract like effort or skill.

FAQs

How can I use "a dab of" in a sentence?

You can use "a dab of" to describe a small quantity of something, such as "Add "a dab of mustard" to the sandwich" or "She applied "a dab of perfume" to her wrist".

What are some alternatives to using "a dab of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a touch of", "a hint of", or "a smidgen of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a dab of" considered formal or informal?

"A dab of" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, using phrases like "a small amount of" or "a trace of" might be more appropriate.

Can "a dab of" be used for abstract concepts?

While primarily used for physical substances, "a dab of" can sometimes be used figuratively for abstract concepts to imply a small degree, such as "a dab of humor" to lighten the mood.