a pat of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pat of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small, flat piece of butter or similar substance, often used in cooking or serving. Example: "She added a pat of butter to the hot skillet to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food & Cooking

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pat of butter weighs 10 grams.

The New York Times

Is there truly a pat of butter in my jar?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A pat of local butter is smeared casually on the side of a bread plate.

The New Yorker

A pat of herbes de Provence gives it a nice crust.

The New York Times - Food

Add a pat of butter to the skillet and swirl to coat.

The New York Times - Food

I melted a pat of butter and added a dash of paprika to each portion.

The New York Times - Food

All that was missing was a pat of Silva's head as he glided by.

The Guardian - Sport

A heart-shaped ring with a flip top by Anna Sui encases a pat of rouge.

The New York Times - Style

You add a pat of butter for flavor, and you put the fillet in the pan.

The New York Times

Grasso's serves a velvety filet mignon with a pat of red wine-herb butter.

The New York Times

Plain white rice dressed only with a pat of butter is the best starch with which to pair this meal.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pat of" to describe a small, manageable portion of butter or a similar spread, especially when providing cooking instructions or describing a meal. It conveys a sense of proportion and ease.

Common error

While widely understood, avoid using "a pat of" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise measurements like "5 grams of butter" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pat of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or modifier within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in describing small quantities, especially in cooking contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Food & Cooking

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pat of" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a small, flat piece of butter or a similar substance. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, especially in cooking and food-related contexts. While generally informal, it's widely understood, though more precise measurements might be preferable in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "a dab of" or "a knob of" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dab of

Refers to a small amount, similar to "a pat of", but can be used for liquids or semi-solids.

a knob of

Commonly used in British English to describe a small amount of butter.

a smidgen of

Implies an even smaller quantity than "a pat of", suggesting a trace amount.

a bit of

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

a touch of

Indicates a slight amount, often used to add flavor or quality.

a small piece of

A literal description of a small portion, lacking the idiomatic feel of "a pat of".

a dollop of

Refers to a soft mass or lump of a semi-liquid or thick substance.

a speck of

Implies a very tiny amount, almost negligible.

a spot of

A very small area or amount; less specific than "a pat of".

a sliver of

Suggests a thin, narrow piece, which could apply to butter but is less common.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pat of" to describe adding a small amount of butter or similar spread to food, for example, "Add "a pat of" butter to the pan before cooking the eggs."

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

Alternatives include "a dab of", "a knob of" (primarily British English), or simply specifying a small amount or weight, such as "5 grams of butter".

Is it more appropriate to say "a pat of butter" or "a piece of butter"?

"A pat of butter" implies a specific, small, pre-cut portion, whereas "a piece of butter" is more general and could refer to any size or shape.

Can "a pat of" be used for things other than butter?

While typically used for butter, "a pat of" can be used for similar soft spreads like margarine or cream cheese, but avoid using it for liquids or granular substances.