a small amount of flour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small amount of flour" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific quantity of flour in cooking or baking contexts. Example: "For this recipe, you will need a small amount of flour to dust the surface before rolling out the dough."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Lightly butter the tin, dust it with a small amount of flour and shake off any surplus then lower in the round of pastry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A little last-minute finessing will be needed before it is reheated, but the effort involved is minimal: just fork together some buttermilk, eggs, a tiny bit of honey, cinnamon and oil and stir them over some cornmeal and a small amount of flour in a bowl.

The New York Times - Food

After cooking the beef on a base of vegetables, the juices and fat are mixed with a small amount of flour, and then the cooking water from cabbage is gradually added and stirred to incorporate the dark, sticky deposits on the bottom of the tin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A scouting party sent ahead by the main rescue party found and greeted the emigrants, gave them a small amount of flour, encouraged them that rescue was near, and then rushed onward to try to locate the Martin Company.

Wikipedia

A small advance team from the rescue party found their camp and gave them a small amount of flour, but then pushed on to the east to try to locate the Martin Company.

Wikipedia

Do this gradually to make sure the dough remains soft and firm, and you might reach the consistency you need without adding all of these liquids. 5. Add a small amount of flour to your work bench an continue to knead the dough on top.. 6.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Whole grain rye flour makes a very dense bread, so rye bread is often made with refined rye flour and a small amount of wheat flour, which makes it lighter and less dense.

The New York Times - Food

Sprinkle a small amount of plain flour over the meat juices and fat.

Independent

The kids' meals included a small amount of peanut flour, with the dose slowly increasing from 2 milligrams to 800 milligrams (equivalent to about five peanuts).

Science Magazine

Vincenzo's Tip: Add a small amount of additional flour if the cream is too runny.

HuffPost

For a really tender crumb, try substituting a small amount of rice flour for the all-purpose.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for "a small amount of flour", measure accurately using measuring spoons or a kitchen scale for consistent results.

Common error

Avoid adding too much flour when the recipe specifies "a small amount". Adding excess flour can lead to a dry or tough final product. Err on the side of caution and add more gradually if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small amount of flour" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a preposition or a component within a larger clause. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small amount of flour" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify a limited quantity of flour, primarily in cooking and baking contexts. Ludwig AI indicates its suitability in written English. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both informal and more formal content. While frequently found in Wiki sources, its presence in news and media also demonstrates its broader applicability. When using this phrase, precision is key; therefore, measurements using spoons or scales are advisable to avoid over- or underestimation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pinch of flour

Replaces "amount" with "pinch", indicating a very tiny quantity.

a dash of flour

Uses "dash" to suggest a quick and imprecise addition of flour.

a sprinkling of flour

Emphasizes the act of scattering flour lightly.

a little flour

Simpler and more informal way to express a small quantity.

a touch of flour

Suggests a delicate and subtle addition of flour.

a trace of flour

Indicates an extremely small and almost imperceptible amount.

a modest quantity of flour

More formal and precise way to specify the quantity.

a minimum of flour

Highlights that the amount of flour used is the lowest possible.

a scant amount of flour

Implies that the amount of flour is slightly less than expected.

just a bit of flour

Informal way of emphasizing the small quantity.

FAQs

How to use "a small amount of flour" in a sentence?

You can use "a small amount of flour" to describe the quantity needed for various cooking and baking tasks, such as dusting a surface or thickening a sauce. For example, "Add "a small amount of flour" to the gravy to help it thicken."

What can I say instead of "a small amount of flour"?

You can use alternatives like "a pinch of flour", "a dash of flour", or "a little flour", depending on the context and the level of precision required.

Is it better to say "a little flour" or "a small amount of flour"?

Both "a little flour" and "a small amount of flour" are correct and generally interchangeable. "A small amount of flour" is slightly more formal and precise, while "a little flour" is more informal.

When should I use "a small amount of flour" in cooking?

Use "a small amount of flour" when you need to lightly coat something, such as dusting a baking pan to prevent sticking or thickening a sauce without making it too heavy. It's often used when precision isn't critical, but the addition of flour is still necessary.