a sprinkling of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sprinkling of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or a light distribution of something, often in a figurative sense. 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 of" to add nuance when describing something that is lightly distributed or present in a small quantity. It can make your writing more descriptive and engaging.

Common error

While versatile, "a sprinkling of" can sound informal in highly formal contexts. Consider stronger, more precise language like "a small amount of" or "a limited number of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sprinkling of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, indicating a small quantity or a light distribution of something. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sprinkling of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a small amount or light distribution of something. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is appropriate and versatile across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also in encyclopedias and wikis, it maintains a neutral register making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When aiming for more formal or precise language, alternatives like "a small amount of" or "a limited number of" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dash of

Implies a very small amount, similar to adding a tiny bit of something.

a touch of

Suggests a subtle addition or influence, emphasizing delicacy.

a hint of

Indicates a faint presence or suggestion of something.

a smattering of

Suggests a scattered and uneven distribution of something.

a scattering of

Similar to "a smattering of", implying a dispersed arrangement.

a dusting of

Suggests a fine layer or coating, often used for powders or fine particles.

a trace of

Indicates a minimal presence, almost undetectable.

a modicum of

Implies a small but sufficient amount, often in formal contexts.

a soupçon of

A more sophisticated way of saying "a hint of", borrowed from French.

an iota of

Indicates an extremely small quantity, almost negligible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sprinkling of" to describe a small amount or a light distribution of something. For example, "The cake had "a sprinkling of sugar" on top", or "The event included "a sprinkling of celebrities"".

What are some alternatives to "a sprinkling of"?

Alternatives to "a sprinkling of" include "a dash of", "a touch of", or "a hint of", depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "a sprinkling of" may sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives such as "a small amount of" or "a limited number of" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "a sprinkling of" mean?

"A sprinkling of" means a small amount or a light scattering of something, often used figuratively to describe a subtle presence or distribution.