a dab of fat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dab of fat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of fat, typically in the context of cooking or food preparation. Example: "For the recipe, you only need a dab of fat to sauté the vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Apply or spray a dab of fat into the bottom of the pan; with a paper towel, wipe the fat into the bottom and the sides of the pan.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

After work, Dr. Wurtman has "a dab of cottage cheese -- we buy the fat-free kind -- and I pour some soy sauce on it to make it taste good".

The New York Times

Rich, moist vanilla cookies with just a dab of decadent chocolate.

Huffington Post

A dab of paint.

The New Yorker

Finish with a dab of margarine.

The New York Times - Food

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

The New York Times - Food

He had a dab of shaving foam under one earlobe.

The New Yorker

"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 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dab of fat" in recipes, specify the type of fat (e.g. butter, olive oil) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a dab of fat" metaphorically outside of cooking or food preparation, as it may sound awkward or unnatural. Opt for more common expressions like "a touch of" or "a hint of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dab of fat" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective modifying an implied noun (like 'amount'). It describes a small quantity of fat. Ludwig examples show it used primarily in cooking contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dab of fat" is a phrase used to describe a small amount of fat, primarily in cooking contexts. Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase is grammatically correct, although relatively rare. Ludwig AI indicates its usage spans across news sources and wikis, suggesting a neutral to informal register. When writing, it's best to use this phrase in culinary contexts and consider specifying the type of fat for clarity. Alternative phrases like "a small amount of fat" or "a touch of fat" can be used for broader applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of fat

Replaces "dab" with a more generic term for quantity.

a touch of fat

Uses "touch" to indicate a minimal quantity.

a speck of fat

Emphasizes the very small size of the amount.

a little fat

A simple and direct alternative.

a pat of butter

Substitutes "fat" with a specific type of fat in solid form.

a drizzle of oil

Uses a different method of application and a liquid fat.

a smear of fat

Focuses on the way the fat is applied.

a dash of fat

Another term for a small quantity, similar to "dab".

a spot of fat

Implies a very localized and small amount.

a tinge of fat

Suggests a very slight presence of fat.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dab of fat" to describe a small amount of fat used in cooking, such as "Add "a dab of fat" to the pan before sautéing the onions."

What's a good substitute for "a dab of fat"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a small amount of fat", "a touch of fat", or "a speck of fat".

Is it better to say "a dab of fat" or "a little bit of fat"?

Both "a dab of fat" and "a little bit of fat" are acceptable, but "a dab of fat" implies an even smaller amount. The best choice depends on the desired level of precision.

Can "a dab of fat" be used for things other than cooking?

While technically correct, using "a dab of fat" outside of culinary contexts might sound unusual. Consider using more versatile phrases like "a small amount of" or "a touch of" for non-food-related situations.