a small dollop of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small dollop of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a small amount of a substance, often in cooking or serving food. Example: "She added a small dollop of sour cream on top of the baked potato."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Steamed vegetables were fanned around a small dollop of sauce.

The New York Times - Magazine

2 Place a small dollop of the filling in the middle of a small circular piece of pasta dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A small dollop of this mixture will be served on a stale cracker revived in a flash bath of New York's finest tap water.

The New Yorker

The current setup fosters allegiance to the party, even if it is based on the survival instinct and not a small dollop of greed.

The New York Times

Warm shrimp pick up a good, smoky bite from their bacon wrappers, nicely accentuated by a small dollop of thick tomato and chili jam.

The New York Times - Food

Spread a small dollop of tartar sauce on the inside of each bun, then line each one sparingly with the watercress.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Place a small dollop (or ring mold) of the sturgeon salad in the center and top each with ¼ of the caviar.

Huffington Post

Apply a small dollop around the edges of the ring and twist it as you work.

WikiHow

Add another small dollop of glue where the ribbon overlaps on the wrap, to avoid unraveling.

WikiHow

Slices are fanned out in a tangy sake soy broth with small dollops of yuzu kosho.

Los Angeles Times

Place small dollops of the mixture onto the tray using a teaspoon.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small dollop of", ensure the context clarifies what substance is being referred to, especially in recipes or instructions. Providing a visual reference, such as "a teaspoon-sized dollop", can further enhance clarity.

Common error

While "dollop" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing where more precise terms like "small amount", "portion", or "quantity" may be more appropriate. Choose vocabulary that aligns with the tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small dollop of" primarily functions as a modifier to a noun, specifying the quantity or amount of that noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct. The examples provided in Ludwig illustrate it in culinary contexts, such as "a small dollop of sauce" or "a small dollop of caviar."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small dollop of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a small amount of a substance, often in culinary contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, as demonstrated by examples from various sources, including News & Media and Wiki. While versatile, remember to consider the formality of your writing and choose alternative terms like "small amount" or "portion" for more formal settings. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dab of

This implies a very small amount, similar to a dollop but potentially smaller and less defined.

a touch of

Suggests a minimal amount, often used in the context of adding a subtle flavor or element.

a spot of

Indicates a tiny quantity, often used informally and can refer to liquids or soft solids.

a sprinkle of

Specifically used for granular substances, implying a light scattering.

a bit of

A general term for a small amount, less precise than "dollop" but widely applicable.

a trace of

Emphasizes an extremely small or barely detectable amount.

a hint of

Similar to "a touch of", suggesting a subtle presence or flavor.

a spoonful of

Refers to a quantity measured by a spoon, usually larger than a dollop.

a small quantity of

A more formal and explicit way of indicating a small amount.

a modest portion of

Implies a controlled or reasonable serving size, often in a culinary context.

FAQs

How can I use "a small dollop of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small dollop of" to describe a small amount of something, particularly soft or semi-liquid substances, like "a small dollop of sour cream" or "a small dollop of peanut butter".

What can I say instead of "a small dollop of"?

You can use alternatives like "a dab of", "a touch of", or "a spot of" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "a small dollop of" or "a small amount of"?

"A small dollop of" is generally used for describing food or substances with a certain consistency, while "a small amount of" is more general and can apply to anything. If you're talking about something like cream or sauce, "a small dollop of" is more descriptive.

What is the difference between "a dollop of" and "a spoonful of"?

While both refer to amounts, "a dollop of" suggests an imprecise, often rounded quantity, while "a spoonful of" implies a more measured amount using a spoon. "A spoonful of" is typically more specific.