a drop of wine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a drop of wine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small quantity of wine, often in a context related to tasting or serving. Example: "She poured a drop of wine into the glass to savor its rich aroma before taking a sip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Could you get me a drop of wine?

The New Yorker

Dinner for two, however, will easily cost $100 without a drop of wine.

The New York Times - Travel

"I've been relaxing with a drop of wine today," he said.

The New Yorker

I used to stop and sleep in the car, have a biscuit and a drop of wine, and go on.

The Guardian - Books

A Drop of Wine There will be free wine tastings featuring St. Francis Vineyards wines at Cipriani Dolce in Grand Central Terminal from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Oct. 25.

The New York Times - Food

My tot of whisky appears and a drop of wine and they read out the menu for me.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Then take a tip from food writer Felicity Cloake and break the egg into a small jug, and add a drop of white wine vinegar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They're weary and disheveled, overworked, underrested and above all cranky — some say they haven't had a drop of red wine for days.

The New York Times

I do enjoy a few luxuries at Christmas, whether homemade mince pies or a drop of red wine, but training is always there to negate the indulgence.

The Guardian - Sport

A cheap weekly staple is a simple pasta with fried onions, garlic, one large courgette per person, lots of lemon juice, fresh finely chopped mint and a drop of white wine vinegar plus plenty of Parmesan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But there are precious few serious eateries in Britain where Muslims can sit down and tuck in without fear of a drop of red wine in the sauce or a pinch of gelatin in the dessert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a drop of wine" to describe a minimal amount, often to emphasize a small taste or a tiny stain. For example, "There was a drop of wine on the tablecloth."

Common error

Avoid using "a drop of wine" in formal writing where a more precise measurement might be appropriate. Instead of saying "add a drop of wine", specify "add 1 milliliter of wine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a drop of wine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a minimal quantity of wine, emphasizing its smallness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a drop of wine" refers to a minimal quantity of wine and is considered grammatically correct. Ludwig AI indicates that it is usable in written English. It is most commonly found in neutral contexts like news and general articles. While the phrase is acceptable, it is relatively rare, and formal contexts may benefit from more precise measurements. When using "a drop of wine", emphasize its small quantity, whether for tasting, staining, or subtle flavoring. Related phrases include "a sip of wine", "a taste of wine", and "a splash of wine".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a splash of wine

Refers to a slightly larger quantity than a drop, suggesting a small but noticeable amount.

a sip of wine

Indicates a small amount of wine taken into the mouth.

a taste of wine

Emphasizes the act of sampling or experiencing the wine's flavor.

a little wine

A general term indicating a small quantity of wine, without specifying the exact amount.

a spot of wine

Similar to a drop, implying a tiny amount of wine.

a dribble of wine

Suggests a very small, almost accidental amount of wine.

a dash of wine

Implies a small amount of wine added for flavoring or enhancement.

a trickle of wine

Suggests a small, continuous flow of wine.

a hint of wine

Focuses on the subtle presence or flavor of wine.

a measure of wine

Indicates a specified quantity of wine, often for cooking or mixing.

FAQs

How can I use "a drop of wine" in a sentence?

You can use "a drop of wine" to describe a very small amount of wine, such as "She only wanted "a drop of wine" to taste the vintage".

What can I say instead of "a drop of wine"?

Alternatives include "a sip of wine", "a taste of wine", or "a splash of wine", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a drop of the wine" instead of "a drop of wine"?

While grammatically correct, "a drop of the wine" implies you're referring to a specific wine already mentioned or known. "A drop of wine" is more general.

What's the difference between "a drop of wine" and "a glass of wine"?

"A drop of wine" refers to a very small quantity, while "a glass of wine" refers to a standard serving size. The former is minimal, the latter substantial.