a sip of brandy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sip of brandy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to taking a small amount of brandy, often in a casual or social context. Example: "After a long day, she enjoyed a sip of brandy by the fireplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He took a sip of brandy.

The New York Times

"You settled in? Got everything you need?" He took a sip of brandy, swallowed, sniffed.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm still hanging around.' " Taking a sip of brandy and orange soda from a Styrofoam cup, he gazed affectionately over the crowd in Coffey Park.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He takes a sip of his brandy, turns on his barstool and says to me, almost as a taunt, "When you're ready, I'm ready".

The New York Times - Magazine

Just after midnight, Tyler took a last sip of brandy, and told his doctor, "I am going.

Wikipedia

Hargrove and his fellow infantrymen barely had time for a sip of the widely-offered local Calvados apple brandy before moving inland.

Independent

A sip of wine.

The New Yorker

He took a sip of coffee.

The New Yorker

He took a sip of his whiskey.

The New Yorker

He took a sip of scotch.

The New York Times

He took a sip of soda.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sip of brandy" to describe a small, delicate consumption of brandy, often for relaxation or enjoyment. It suggests a more refined or deliberate act than simply "drinking brandy".

Common error

Avoid using "a sip of brandy" when describing a large quantity consumed. If someone drinks a full glass, it's more accurate to say "a glass of brandy" or "drank brandy", instead of "a sip".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sip of brandy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the action of taking a small amount of brandy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sip of brandy" is a grammatically sound noun phrase describing the act of taking a small amount of brandy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, the expression is widely understood and conveys a sense of refinement or deliberate enjoyment. It is most frequently encountered in neutral contexts, such as news articles. Alternatives like "a taste of brandy" or "a small amount of brandy" offer similar meanings. When using the phrase, ensure the quantity is appropriate to the situation; avoid it when referring to large consumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a taste of brandy

Replaces "sip" with "taste", implying a minimal amount taken for flavor.

a small amount of brandy

Uses a more general term for quantity instead of a specific action.

a mouthful of brandy

Indicates a larger quantity than "a sip".

a drop of brandy

Emphasizes a very small quantity, even less than a sip.

a swallow of brandy

Implies the action of drinking it down.

a dram of brandy

Uses a more formal and specific term for a small quantity of spirits.

a nip of brandy

Suggests a small, quick drink.

to sample brandy

Focuses on the act of trying a small amount for evaluation.

to have some brandy

A more general way of saying consuming a small amount of brandy.

a measure of brandy

Highlights a defined quantity, as in a measured serving.

FAQs

How can I use "a sip of brandy" in a sentence?

You can use "a sip of brandy" to describe someone taking a small amount of brandy, often for enjoyment or relaxation. Example: "After dinner, he enjoyed "a sip of brandy" by the fire."

What are some alternatives to "a sip of brandy"?

Alternatives include "a taste of brandy", "a small amount of brandy", or "a drop of brandy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to say "a gulp of brandy" instead of "a sip of brandy"?

While both describe drinking brandy, "a gulp" implies a larger and perhaps less refined consumption compared to the more delicate action suggested by ""a sip of brandy"".

What's the difference between "a sip of brandy" and "a glass of brandy"?

"A sip of brandy" refers to a small quantity, while "a glass of brandy" refers to a full serving. The former implies a tasting or a small indulgence, the latter a more substantial consumption.