a small dish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small dish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a dish that is small in size, often in the context of food or serving sizes. Example: "For the appetizer, I would like to order a small dish of bruschetta."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Combine the salt and pepper in a small dish.

The New York Times

Bring to the table in a small dish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blend the brown crab, mayonnaise and chilli until smooth, then transfer to a small dish.

Independent

Combine the sugar, pepper and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt in a small dish.

The New York Times

1. Place raisins in a small dish, add grappa or wine and set aside to soak.

The New York Times - Food

Remove two tablespoons of the egg mixture to a small dish and set aside.

The New York Times

He serves it on its own in a small dish for £5.

The Guardian

Serve with plenty of bread and a small dish of harissa drizzled in olive oil.

The Washington Post

Mix bacon and bread in a small dish and fold in chives.

The New York Times - Food

Stir until nuts are very light brown, then transfer to a small dish.

The New York Times - Food

Meanwhile, place the gelatin in a small dish and add 1 1/84 cup cold water.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a recipe, specify "a small dish" for ingredients intended for mixing or temporary holding, rather than a serving dish.

Common error

Avoid using multiple size descriptors. Instead of "a very small dish", consider using more precise terms like "a ramekin" or "a saucer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small dish" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or verb. As Ludwig AI also indicates, it's a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

33%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small dish" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a container of limited size. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and practical expression in English. The phrase appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media, indicating its versatility across different contexts. While "a small dish" is generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider more specific terms like "ramekin" or "saucer" when precision is required. Its high frequency and varied usage solidify its place as a standard English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a diminutive plate

Emphasizes the tiny size of the plate.

a little bowl

Replaces "dish" with "bowl", maintaining the small size.

a miniature container

Uses a more general term for a small receptacle.

a petite serving

Focuses on the serving size rather than the dish itself.

a shallow saucer

Specifies a type of small, shallow dish.

a snack-sized bowl

Highlights the bowl's suitability for snacks.

a quarter plate

Quantifies the small portion by comparing it to a standard plate.

a sampler portion

Refers to a small amount of food intended for tasting.

a side of

Implies a small serving accompanying a main course.

bite-sized portion

Emphasizes that food can be eaten in one bite.

FAQs

How can I use "a small dish" in a recipe?

When following a recipe, you might see "a small dish" used to hold ingredients before they are added to a larger mixture, or to serve condiments alongside the main course.

What's a more precise way to describe "a small dish"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "saucer", "ramekin", or "condiment bowl" to be more specific about the type of dish.

What can I say instead of "a small dish" to indicate portion size?

Consider using phrases like "petite serving" or "sampler portion" if you want to emphasize the amount of food being served.

Is it redundant to say "a tiny small dish"?

Yes, using both "tiny" and "small" is generally redundant. Choose one adjective based on the degree of smallness you want to convey.