a fine sieve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fine sieve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a sieve that has small holes, allowing only fine particles to pass through, often in cooking or scientific contexts. Example: "To achieve a smooth sauce, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strain through a fine sieve.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pass through a fine sieve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blend, then pass through a fine sieve.

The Times

Strain through a fine sieve before serving.

The New York Times - Magazine

Strain through a fine sieve and refrigerate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2. Strain liquid through a fine sieve.

The New York Times

2. Strain the pulp through a fine sieve.

The New York Times - Magazine

Press the cream through a fine sieve over the potatoes.

The New York Times - Magazine

5. Strain egg mixture through a fine sieve.

The New York Times - Food

Strain the soup through a fine sieve into a bowl.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pass the sauce through a fine sieve into a bowl.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fine sieve" in recipes, specify the mesh size if precision is important for the outcome of the dish.

Common error

Avoid using "sieve" as a verb when you mean "sift". "Sieve" is the noun (the tool), while "sift" is the action of using the sieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fine sieve" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object of a verb or prepositional phrase in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of kitchen or laboratory tool used for separating finer particles from coarser ones. This is supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fine sieve" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a kitchen or laboratory tool with small holes, perfect for straining and separating fine particles. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts such as cooking, baking, and even scientific procedures. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings. While alternatives like ""a fine mesh strainer"" or "a sieve with a fine mesh" exist, understanding its function and purpose will enhance your writing precision. Remember to use "sift" for the action and "sieve" as the tool and adapt best practices for more descriptive and accurate content. Finally, "a fine sieve" is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sieve with a fine mesh

Specifies the characteristic of the sieve more explicitly.

a strainer with small holes

Replaces "sieve" with "strainer" and "fine" with "small holes", focusing on the function.

a fine-mesh strainer

Combines "fine" and "mesh" into a compound adjective, and replaces "sieve" with "strainer".

a flour sifter

Identifies a specific type of fine sieve used for flour.

a bolting cloth

Uses a more technical term for a fine mesh cloth used for sifting.

a tamis

A specialized type of sieve, typically a flat drum-shaped sieve with a fine mesh.

a micro-sieve

Highlights the very small size of the sieve's openings.

a close-meshed sieve

Emphasizes the tightly woven nature of the sieve's mesh.

a filtering screen

Replaces "sieve" with a more general term, "screen", and emphasizes the filtering action.

a very fine colander

Using a different noun to describe something with small holes.

FAQs

How do you use "a fine sieve" in a recipe?

In recipes, "a fine sieve" is used to remove lumps from dry ingredients like flour or sugar, or to create a smooth texture in sauces or purees. For example, "Strain the sauce through "a fine sieve" to remove any solids".

What is the difference between "a fine sieve" and a colander?

"A fine sieve" has a much finer mesh than a colander, making it suitable for straining liquids and powders but not for draining larger solids. A colander is designed for draining larger items like pasta or vegetables.

What can I use instead of "a fine sieve" if I don't have one?

If you don't have "a fine sieve", you can use "a fine mesh strainer" or several layers of cheesecloth to achieve a similar result.

When should I use "a fine sieve" versus a regular sieve?

Use "a fine sieve" when you need to remove very small particles or achieve a very smooth consistency. A regular sieve is suitable for coarser materials or when a perfectly smooth result is not necessary.