a dip of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dip of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of something, often in the context of food or a decrease in quantity or quality. Example: "I enjoyed a dip of guacamole with my tortilla chips at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We estimated the reverse fault with an east-dipping fault plane with a dip of 75 degrees as the source fault model of the Gifu-Ichinomiya segment.

Earth, Planets and Space

By comparison, Bebo drew a mere 12.8 million visitors, a dip of 45 percent from a year earlier.

The New York Times - Tech

He cannot go past a man nor dissemble with a dip of the shoulder.

Independent

Served with a dip of fish sauce and vinegar, it was the star of our lunch.

The New York Times

Design is unobtrusive, scene changes marked by a dip of the lights.

The Guardian

But, she said, "it is time for a dip of my toe in the water".

The New York Times

Even the bar snacks are inviting, like crunchy pork skins with a dip of honey and red wine vinegar ($5).

The New York Times - Food

My expectations perked up when the good crusty bread arrived with a dip of pungent, spicy Sicilian olive oil.

The New York Times

After years of increases, prices were down 3% last year, with a dip of 6.5% in the fourth quarter.

The Guardian - Money

The daily red-tops also performed poorly, with the Sun falling the furthest with a dip of 2.6%.

The Guardian

The muffins are warm from the oven and finished with a dip of melted butter, then sugar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dip of" to describe a brief immersion in something, a small quantity of food, or a slight decline in a value or metric. Ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a dip of" in highly formal or professional writing where more precise or sophisticated language is expected. Opt for terms like "slight decrease", "minimal amount", or "brief exposure" for enhanced clarity and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dip of" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a determiner of quantity or degree. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both physical actions (e.g., "a dip of the shoulder") and quantitative changes (e.g., "a dip of 45 percent").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dip of" is a versatile phrase used to describe a slight decrease, a small quantity, or a quick immersion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While suitable for general and news writing, it may be less appropriate for highly formal or Scientific contexts where greater precision is needed. When choosing to use "a dip of", consider alternatives like "a touch of" or "a decline of" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of

Emphasizes a slight addition or influence, similar to a small immersion or decrease.

a hint of

Highlights a subtle presence or indication, comparable to a slight reduction or introduction.

a decrease in

Similar to a decline or drop, focusing on the lessening of something.

a decline of

Specifically refers to a reduction in quantity or quality, similar to the decreasing aspect of "a dip of".

a reduction of

Emphasizes the act of diminishing something, mirroring the lessening aspect of "a dip of".

a drop in

Indicates a decrease, often in a numerical or measurable context, like a financial "dip".

a dash of

Implies a small addition or a slight influence, similar to adding a small amount of something.

a spoonful of

Focuses on a small quantity, especially when referring to food or liquids.

a taste of

Suggests a brief experience or exposure, comparable to a quick immersion.

an element of

Highlights the inclusion of something as a component, suggesting a slight involvement or participation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dip of" to describe a small quantity, like "a dip of sauce", or a slight decrease, such as "a dip of 5% in sales".

What can I say instead of "a dip of" when referring to a decrease?

Alternatives include "a drop in", "a decline of", or "a reduction in", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a dip of" to describe a financial downturn?

Yes, it's acceptable to use "a dip of" to describe a temporary downturn, for example, "a dip of 2% in the stock market". However, for more severe situations, consider using terms like "recession" or "market correction".

What's the difference between "a dip of" and "a touch of"?

"A dip of" generally refers to a quick immersion, a small amount, or a slight decline. "A touch of" usually implies a small addition or subtle influence, often in the context of flavor or emotion.