a sprinkling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sprinkling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or distribution of something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The recipe calls for a sprinkling of salt to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sprinkling of dark powder.

The New Yorker

There is also a sprinkling of stardust.

The Guardian

Serve with a sprinkling of coriander.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So there's a sprinkling of them.

The New York Times - Science

As with all horror movies, there's a sprinkling of sex.

The New Yorker

There was quite a sprinkling of women in the crowd.

The New York Times

There was also a sprinkling of pop artists.

The New York Times

Characters: several businessmen, some journalists, a sprinkling of diplomats.

The Economist

National record-setters, state champions, a sprinkling of Olympians.

The New York Times - Sports

THE CROWD Mostly local, with a sprinkling of shoppers.

The New York Times

Mrs Jarrett offers reassurance, and a sprinkling of Obama stardust.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sprinkling" to convey a small quantity, but be mindful of the context. It is best suited for informal writing and descriptions where precision isn't critical.

Common error

Avoid using "a sprinkling" in formal reports or academic papers where precise quantities are expected. Opt for more specific terms like "a small amount" or "a trace" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a sprinkling" is as a noun phrase, often functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As suggested by Ludwig, it describes a small quantity of something being distributed, such as ingredients or people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sprinkling" is a noun phrase used to denote a small quantity or scattered distribution of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. While useful for adding detail, remember to avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise language is expected. Consider alternatives like ""a dash"" or ""a touch"" for similar effect, and be mindful of the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dash

Implies a very small amount, often used in cooking or adding a subtle quality.

a touch

Similar to "a dash", suggesting a delicate or subtle addition.

a scattering

Emphasizes a dispersed distribution over an area.

a smattering

Indicates a small, uneven quantity or distribution.

a dusting

Suggests a light covering, like powder or snow.

a hint

Implies a subtle presence or indication.

a trace

Indicates a very small amount, almost undetectable.

a speck

Refers to a tiny particle or spot.

a modicum

Suggests a small, often inadequate, amount.

a fragment

Refers to a broken piece or small portion of something larger.

FAQs

How can I use "a sprinkling" in a sentence?

You can use "a sprinkling" to describe adding a small amount of something to food, such as "a sprinkling of salt", or to describe a small number of people or things, such as "a sprinkling of tourists".

What's a good alternative to "a sprinkling"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a dash", "a touch", or "a scattering". Each of these conveys a similar idea of a small quantity.

Is it correct to use "a sprinkling of" followed by a plural noun?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For example, "a sprinkling of stars" or "a sprinkling of opportunities" are both grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "a sprinkling" and "a handful"?

"A sprinkling" refers to a very small amount that is scattered or lightly distributed, while "a handful" refers to an amount that can be held in one hand. "A handful" is a larger, more substantial quantity than "a sprinkling".