a starter of fish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a starter of fish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a dish that is served as an appetizer or first course, specifically one that features fish as the main ingredient. Example: "For our meal, I decided to order a starter of fish, which included a delicious smoked salmon tartare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fish on rice with a starter of fish soup.

Vice

There was no confusion about a starter of fish cakes: five flat, batter-fried cakes with a sweet and tangy Thai dip.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After plenty of deliberation, I went for a starter of mini fish 'n' chips, and Chloe, our photographer, opted for the more ladylike "treble pie".

Vice

As they also had a rich starter of fish quenelles with lobster sauce, they were probably glad of strawberries and cream for dessert.

BBC

Alongside starters of fish soup and charcuterie is a menu section entitled "The very best of duck".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(The extravaganza costs $125, but six diners can easily share it as a starter). Don't fish?

The Washington Post

Expect to spend 405-510 pesos (£20-25) per person and make sure you have the starter of marinated fish (ceviche).

Independent

A starter may be a fish plate of cured and smoked salmon followed by a main such as confit duck leg with creamed potatoes and roasted vegetables, or perhaps a steak.

The Telegraph

A school of fish?

The New York Times

Become a fan of fish.

WikiHow

They can be a starter, a partner for fish, lamb, plain roast chicken, rice or ripped into pasta.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a fish dish served as an appetizer, consider using the more common term "fish appetizer" for clarity and conciseness.

Common error

Avoid using "a starter of fish" excessively in culinary writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fish appetizer" or specifying the type of fish dish (e.g. "smoked salmon tartare").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a starter of fish" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of appetizer in a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, indicating it serves to name a culinary dish.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a starter of fish" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a fish-based appetizer. Although correct and usable, as Ludwig AI states, it's less common than simpler alternatives like "fish appetizer". Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to describe a menu item in a neutral register. For best practice, it's advisable to vary language and consider using "fish appetizer" for conciseness or specifying the exact dish when possible. While correct, excessive use of "a starter of fish" can make writing sound repetitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fish appetizer

This is a more concise and common way to refer to a fish dish served as a starter.

fish starter

Similar to "fish appetizer", this is a direct synonym.

fish-based appetizer

This alternative emphasizes that the appetizer is made with fish.

seafood appetizer

This expands the category to include shellfish and other seafood, not just fish.

small fish dish

This is a more general term, not necessarily served as a starter.

initial fish selection

This phrase is suitable when discussing a sequence of fish courses or types.

introductory fish course

This phrase has a more formal tone.

first fish course

Describes the chronological order of a fish dish in a multi-course meal.

beginner's fish

This refers to a fish suitable for someone new to cooking or eating fish.

easy fish to start with

This highlights the ease of preparation or consumption of the fish.

FAQs

What does "a starter of fish" mean in a culinary context?

In a culinary context, "a starter of fish" refers to an appetizer or the first course of a meal that primarily features fish. It is a dish designed to stimulate the appetite before the main course.

What are some alternatives to saying "a starter of fish"?

You can use alternatives like "fish appetizer", "seafood appetizer", or specify the dish, such as "smoked salmon tartare", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a starter of fish"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, it's less common than other alternatives like "fish appetizer" or "fish starter".

When might I use "a starter of fish" versus "fish appetizer"?

While both are correct, "fish appetizer" is generally more common. You might use "a starter of fish" in a slightly more formal or descriptive context, but the difference is subtle. Using "fish appetizer" will generally suffice.