a float of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a float of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group or collection of floating objects, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As we sailed through the bay, we spotted a float of jellyfish drifting gracefully in the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

If number is a float, the result is a float of the same type.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And anyway, high street branches carry a float of less than £5,000 in cash.

The Guardian - Opinion

If number is a complex float, the result is a float of the same type as the components of number.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

GSK said in October it was considering a float of the fast-growing HIV division as part of a plan to restructure its business.

The Guardian - Business

The most popular was the Harvey Wallbanger — a Screwdriver with a float of Galliano on top, and a deliberately innuendo-laden name.

The New Yorker

When rationals and floats are combined by a numerical function, the rational is first converted to a float of the same format.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

integer-sign---the integer -1, or the integer 1. sign---A float of the same type as float but numerically equal to 1.0 or -1.0.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

By 1973 payment imbalances led to an end of the system of fixed, or pegged, exchange rates and to a "floating" of most currencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Bank of Thailand is considering a return to a managed float of the baht, a daily newspaper reported today.

The New York Times

A Float fraction of density 1.3.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Under the new definition, "smaller reporting company" generally means an issuer with (i) a public float of less than $250 million or (ii) less than $100 million of annual revenues and a public float of less than $700 million (or no public float).

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a float of" when describing a small amount of a substance resting on top of another, especially in culinary or descriptive contexts. For example, "a float of sherry" or "a float of cream".

Common error

Avoid using "a float of" to describe items that are fully submerged or mixed in with another substance. "A float of" implies a distinct layer or presence on the surface, not within.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a float of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates a small quantity of something that is resting on the surface of another substance. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a float of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. According to Ludwig, it functions as a prepositional phrase that often describes a small amount of something resting on the surface of a liquid or other substance. Its primary purpose is descriptive, often used in culinary and general descriptions. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia. Alternatives such as "a layer of" or "a splash of" can be used, depending on the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, "a float of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Remember to use it to describe surface-level additions, not submerged items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a layer of

Focuses on a covering or coating aspect, less about suspended matter.

a surface of

Emphasizes the top level or exposed part.

a splash of

Implies a small amount of liquid.

a touch of

Highlights a subtle or minimal presence.

a sprinkling of

Indicates a light, scattered addition.

a dusting of

Suggests a fine coating, often powdery.

a film of

Denotes a thin, often undesirable layer.

a suspension of

Emphasizes particles held within a liquid.

a scattering of

Suggests a dispersed, sparse distribution.

a top of

Highlights something added only on the peak.

FAQs

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

You can use "a float of" to describe a small amount of something resting on top of a liquid or another substance. For example, "The cocktail was topped with "a float of" grenadine".

What does "a float of" mean?

"A float of" generally refers to a small quantity of something that is resting on the surface of something else, typically a liquid. It implies that the substance is not fully mixed or dissolved.

What are some alternatives to "a float of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a layer of", "a touch of", or "a splash of".

Is it correct to say "a float in" instead of "a float of"?

No, "a float in" is not grammatically correct in this context. "A float of" is the proper way to describe something resting on top of another substance. "A float in" would imply the object is immersed within the other substance.