a spoonful of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a spoonful of" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small amount of something, generally measured in teaspoons. For example, "I added a spoonful of sugar to my tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A spoonful of sugar... ?

The Times

Dissolve saffron in a spoonful of water.

The New York Times - Food

Put a spoonful of grits on top.

The New York Times - Food

Add a spoonful of crème fraîche.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have a spoonful of soup.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thus, a spoonful of marmalade contains the same amount of sugar as a spoonful of jam.

The Guardian

Spread a spoonful of béchamel over the bottom.

The New York Times - Health

Even plonking on a spoonful of guacamole would work nicely.

Independent

There's a Chinese proverb that doesn't translate very well, but it's basically a spoonful of sugar, a spoonful of tar.

The New York Times

And with a spoonful of sugar, perhaps anything is possible.

Independent

This book tastes like a spoonful of coal tar.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a spoonful of" to provide a relatable and easily understood quantity, especially in recipes or informal instructions. For example, "Add a spoonful of sugar to taste."

Common error

Avoid using "a spoonful of" when precision is crucial. Spoon sizes vary, so for accurate results, specify exact measurements like teaspoons or tablespoons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spoonful of" functions as a quantifier, specifying a small, approximate amount of something, typically a substance that can be held in a spoon. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts illustrating its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

46%

News & Media

43%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a spoonful of" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a small, approximate quantity, often in recipes or instructions. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples. While highly prevalent in informal contexts such as Wiki and News & Media, it's important to consider the formality of the writing when deciding whether to use this phrase. For more precise measurements, consider using "a teaspoon of" or "a tablespoon of". Overall, the phrase is widely understood and effectively communicates a small quantity in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small amount of

Emphasizes a small quantity without specifying the tool of measurement.

a bit of

A more general way to indicate a small quantity.

a dash of

Typically used for adding a small amount of seasoning or liquid.

a pinch of

Used for small amounts of dry ingredients, often spices.

a touch of

Indicates a very small quantity, almost imperceptible.

a measure of

More formal way of saying a small amount.

a dollop of

Refers to a soft, rounded mass of something, like cream or sauce.

a fragment of

Suggests a small, broken-off piece.

a drop of

Specifically refers to a small, spherical mass of liquid.

a speck of

Indicates an extremely small particle or trace.

FAQs

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

Use "a spoonful of" to indicate a small, approximate quantity of something, especially when giving instructions or recipes. For instance, "Add "a spoonful of honey" to your tea."

What is a more precise alternative to "a spoonful of"?

For greater accuracy, use standard measuring spoons like "a teaspoon of" or "a tablespoon of" instead of the more general phrase "a spoonful of".

Is it always appropriate to use "a spoonful of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a spoonful of" may be too informal for academic or technical writing. Consider using more precise measurements or formal language in such contexts.

What's the difference between "a spoonful of" and "a bit of"?

"A spoonful of" implies a quantity that can be held in a spoon, while "a bit of" is a more general term for a small amount without a specific measurement.