a dash of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a dash of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "a small amount of". For example, "I added a dash of lemon juice to the salad for some extra flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A dash of M.C.

The New York Times

A dash of wisdom, amid the shmaltz.

The New Yorker

A dash of this.

The New York Times

Verdict: Strindberg with a dash of optimism.

The New York Times

With a dash of reality television.

The New York Times - Food

There's not a dash of virtuosity.

Independent

A dash of 60s Mod.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And a dash of courage.

The New York Times - Sports

- a dash of audacity here?

The Guardian - Opinion

And a dash of pink.

The Guardian - Music

And a dash of turmeric".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dash of" to subtly enhance a description, recipe, or explanation without overpowering the core element. For example, "The room needed a dash of color to feel complete."

Common error

Avoid using "a dash of" excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive or cliché. Opt for more specific and descriptive language when possible to add depth and nuance.

Linguistic Context

"A dash of" primarily functions as a quantifier, indicating a small, often immeasurable, amount of something. It modifies a noun, suggesting a subtle addition or presence, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "a dash of salt" or "a dash of courage". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dash of" is a common and acceptable way to indicate a small quantity or subtle addition to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal writing. While "a dash of" is versatile, consider alternatives like "a hint of" or "a touch of" for greater precision. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure that your writing remains clear and engaging. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's adaptability and its effectiveness in conveying nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A hint of

Focuses on the subtle presence of a particular quality or ingredient.

A touch of

Emphasizes a delicate or slight amount.

A smidgen of

Highlights the extremely small quantity being added.

A pinch of

Implies a tiny amount, often used in cooking.

A sprinkling of

Suggests a scattering of something over a surface.

A splash of

Indicates a small amount of liquid added.

A trace of

Implies a barely detectable amount.

A modicum of

Refers to a limited quantity of something abstract, such as effort or skill.

An iota of

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

A fragment of

Highlights a small, broken-off piece or aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dash of" to indicate a small quantity of something being added. For example, "The sauce needed "a dash of salt" to bring out the flavors".

What are some synonyms for "a dash of"?

Alternatives include "a hint of", "a touch of", or "a pinch of", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

While generally acceptable, "a dash of" is more common in informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise terms like "a small amount of" or "a trace of" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a dash of" and "a splash of"?

"A dash of" is generally used for dry ingredients or abstract qualities, while "a splash of" is typically used for liquids. For example, you might add "a dash of pepper" but "a splash of water".