a hint of sweetness

USAGE SUMMARY

"a hint of sweetness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a small amount of sweetness. For example: - The apple pie had just a hint of sweetness, making it the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. - The coffee had a hint of sweetness from the added cream and sugar. - The sauce had a wonderful depth of flavor, with a subtle hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Of the tapas we sampled, the aioli accompanying the shrimp tempura carried a hint of sweetness, and vegetable spring rolls were served with a sweet, jammy ginger sauce.

The New York Times

A tomato base is livened up with the addition of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, but the addition of brown sugar and sweet Hungarian paprika give this spicy sauce a hint of sweetness, too.

WikiHow

Made with carrots, sweet potatoes, apples and honey, this savory soup with a hint of sweetness and spice is the essence of fall.

Huffington Post

Made with carrots, sweet potatoes, apples and honey, this savory soup with a hint of sweetness and spice is perfect for Rosh Hashanah.

Huffington Post

Applewood bacon imparts a hint of sweetness.

The New York Times - Style

The exterior is sturdy and has a hint of sweetness.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Taylor's Quinta de Vargellas 2002 vintage port £30 for 75cl from Waitrose ★★★★★ Satin smooth, with a delicate, almost floral sweetness and just a hint of sweet spice, this is a port to savour, rather than glug down merrily over Trivial Pursuit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The initial impression soon fades to leave behind a hint of creamy sweetness.

The Guardian - Travel

On the palate it is dry, far dryer than what was indicated on the nose with just a hint of residual sweetness, followed by some pepperiness and a slight bitter note.

Huffington Post

For an extra hint of sweetness, sprinkle your biscuits with a pinch or two of sugar before serving.

WikiHow

But I was surprised: it was supple and slightly moist, with shrimp and ground peanuts, and a hint of fish sauce and of sweetness.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hint of sweetness" when you want to subtly suggest a sweet taste without it being the dominant flavor profile. It's perfect for describing complex dishes or beverages where balance is key.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of sweetness" repetitively in a description. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a touch of sweet flavor" or "a subtle sweetness" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of sweetness" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a complement or modifier to describe the presence of a subtle sweet flavor or quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hint of sweetness" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the subtle presence of a sweet taste or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in News & Media sources. While subtle differences exist, alternatives like "a touch of sweet flavor" or "a subtle sweetness" can be used to maintain variety in writing. Remember that using "a hint of sweetness" repetitively should be avoided to prevent monotony. This phrase is versatile and can describe both food and non-food items, adding a layer of sensory detail to descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of sweet flavor

Replaces 'hint' with 'touch', emphasizing the subtle amount of sweetness.

a subtle sweetness

Focuses on the subtlety of the sweetness, removing the word 'hint'.

a tinge of sugary taste

Uses 'tinge' and 'sugary taste' to describe a slight sweet sensation.

a slight sweet note

Employs 'note' to evoke a flavor profile with minimal sweetness.

a whisper of sugariness

Utilizes 'whisper' and 'sugariness' to highlight the delicacy of the sweet taste.

an undertone of honeyed flavor

Describes the sweetness as an underlying component of the overall flavor.

a dash of sweet sensation

Indicates a very small amount of sweetness detected.

a trace of saccharine taste

Replaces 'hint' with 'trace' and uses 'saccharine' to specify a sugary quality.

a delicate sugary presence

Focuses on the mild and refined aspect of the sweetness.

a mild sweet influence

Expresses that sweetness has minimal effect in this taste profile.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of sweetness" in a sentence?

You can use "a hint of sweetness" to describe flavors, aromas, or even abstract qualities. For example, "The wine had "a hint of sweetness" that balanced its acidity" or "There was "a hint of sweetness" in her smile despite the difficult circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "a hint of sweetness"?

Some alternatives include "a touch of sweet flavor", "a subtle sweetness", or "a slight sweet note", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a hint of sweetness" or "a touch of sweetness"?

Both "a hint of sweetness" and "a touch of sweetness" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Hint" suggests something barely perceptible, while "touch" implies a slightly more noticeable presence.

Can "a hint of sweetness" be used to describe non-food items?

Yes, "a hint of sweetness" can be used metaphorically to describe non-food items. For instance, you could say a song has "a hint of sweetness" in its melody, meaning it has a pleasant or charming quality.