a knob of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a knob of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small, rounded piece of something, often in the context of food, such as butter or cheese. Example: "Please add a knob of butter to the pan for extra flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking recipes

Food-related articles

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Place a knob of butter in a frying pan on medium heat; once foaming, drop in spoonfuls of batter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Toss with a knob of butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My heart shrank into a knob of hurt and yearning.

The New York Times

Season and stir in a knob of butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Toss a knob of it into freshly cooked egg noodles or steamed zucchini or scrambled eggs.

The New York Times - Food

Add a knob of butter and then the onion, carrot and garlic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Season well and stir through a knob of butter before serving.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then add the parsley with a knob of butter and the sliced leeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

3 Season the brioche cubes well and fry with a knob of butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heat a little olive oil and a knob of butter in a frying pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4 Heat a large pan with a knob of butter over a high heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a knob of" when referring to an approximate, small amount of butter or similar malleable ingredients in cooking. It adds a touch of informality to recipes.

Common error

While "a knob of" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise measurements instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a knob of" functions as a partitive, indicating a portion or quantity of something, typically butter. Ludwig examples showcase it primarily in culinary contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a knob of" is a common, informal phrase used to indicate a small, approximate amount of butter or similar ingredients. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently encountered in news and media sources, particularly in cooking contexts. While acceptable in many situations, it's best to use precise measurements in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "a small amount of" or "a pat of" depending on the context and desired level of formality. When using the phrase "a knob of" ensure to wrap it in quotation marks ("a knob of") and render it in bold.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pat of

Refers specifically to a small, pre-formed piece of butter.

a dab of

Implies an even smaller quantity than "a knob of", often used for pastes or creams.

a bit of

A more general term for a small amount, applicable to various substances.

a touch of

Suggests a very small amount, often used for seasonings or flavorings.

a small amount of

A more formal and less descriptive way of indicating a small quantity.

a spoonful of

Specifies the quantity using a spoon as a measure.

a pinch of

Typically used for powdered or granular substances like salt or spices.

a nugget of

Implies a solid lump rather than a malleable substance like butter.

a fragment of

Indicates a small, broken piece of something.

a sliver of

Refers to a thin, narrow piece of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a knob of" in sentences like, "Add "a knob of butter" to the pan for extra flavor" or "Stir in "a knob of butter" before serving."

What's the difference between "a knob of" and "a pat of"?

"A pat of" usually refers specifically to a small, pre-formed piece of butter, while "a knob of" is a more general term for a small, undefined quantity of butter or a similar substance.

Is it okay to use "a knob of" in a formal recipe?

While understandable, "a knob of" is informal. For formal recipes, consider using a precise measurement like "1 tablespoon" or "15 grams."

What can I say instead of "a knob of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a small amount of", "a bit of", or "a dab of".