a dash of sugar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dash of sugar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of sugar added to a recipe or dish to enhance flavor. Example: "For the perfect cup of tea, add a dash of sugar to balance the bitterness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Like a dash of sugar for good measure, Ms. Savini tossed in a mention of Mr. Amante's two compact discs.

The New York Times

Ripe tomatoes (and they must be ripe) come off as sweet, and when combined with the onions, to which I added a dash of sugar, together they tempered the acidity of the wine.

The New York Times - Food

Add a dash of sugar, it adds a wonderful flavor.

WikiHow

Lemon water: Pure, fresh water with crisp lemon slices and maybe a dash of sugar.

WikiHow

To make it even more delicious, instead of using water use milk, and put a dash of sugar and stir.

WikiHow

Assemble the following ingredients: 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) lemon juice. 2 oz (60 ml) gin. 1 cube sugar or a dash of sugar syrup.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Add in a dash of brown sugar and honey, if you'd like.

WikiHow

In addition to the best Burley-with-a-dash-of-Turkish, the ordinary cigarette contains traces of maple sugar, cane sugar, molasses, licorice, honey, run, essence of vanilla, chocolate, sherry and peach, to name just a few.

The New Yorker

You can add a dash of salt or sugar to the mixture before baking to add more flavor.

WikiHow

So you get that, and the effervescence of Champagne, plus a dash of sweetness from the sugar and Chambord.

The New York Times - Food

And on Tuesday take advantage of its special $8 Valentine cocktails, like La Vie en Rose, rosé Champagne with a dash of rosewater and a sugar cube.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dash of sugar" when you want to suggest adding a small, imprecise amount of sugar to enhance the flavor of a dish or beverage. It implies a quick, casual addition, not a carefully measured quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "a dash of sugar" in formal or scientific writing where precise measurements are required. Opt for more specific terms like "0.5 grams of sugar" or "a quarter teaspoon of sugar" for clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dash of sugar" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an object of a preposition (e.g., 'add a dash of sugar') or as a complement specifying an ingredient or flavor component. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dash of sugar" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase indicating a small, often unmeasured, amount of sugar added for flavor enhancement. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. Its register leans towards informal contexts, as precise measurements are typically preferred in formal or scientific writing. While it frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki sources, as Ludwig's examples show, it is less common in more formal domains. When precision is not critical, "a dash of sugar" effectively conveys the addition of a small amount of sweetness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A pinch of sugar

Emphasizes a smaller quantity than "dash", implying an even more subtle addition.

A hint of sugar

Focuses on the subtle presence of sugar in the overall flavor profile.

A sprinkle of sugar

Suggests a light, scattered application of sugar, often on top of something.

A touch of sugar

Indicates a very slight addition, barely perceptible but contributing to the overall taste.

A spoonful of sugar

Contrasts with "dash" by indicating a much larger quantity of sugar.

A bit of sweetness

Shifts the focus from the ingredient to the resulting flavor characteristic.

A measure of sugar

Implies a deliberate and precise amount, differing from the casual nature of "dash".

A grain of sugar

Highlights an extremely minute amount, almost negligible but still contributing.

A speck of sugar

Similar to "grain", emphasizing an almost imperceptible trace of sugar.

A suggestion of sugar

Indicates a very weak presence of sugar.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dash of sugar" to indicate adding a small, often unmeasured, amount of sugar to something, like "Add "a dash of sugar" to your coffee if it's too bitter".

What's a similar phrase to "a dash of sugar"?

Similar phrases include "a pinch of sugar", "a hint of sugar", or "a sprinkle of sugar", all suggesting small quantities added for flavor.

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

While grammatically correct, "a dash of sugar" is generally more suitable for informal contexts like recipes or casual conversations. More precise measurements are preferred in formal or scientific writing.

What is the difference between "a dash of sugar" and "a spoonful of sugar"?

"A dash of sugar" implies a very small, unmeasured amount, while "a spoonful of sugar" refers to a specific quantity that can be measured with a spoon. The former is imprecise, the latter is defined.