a trace of sugar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of sugar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of sugar present in something, often in the context of food or drink. Example: "The recipe calls for a trace of sugar to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

No foods with more than a trace of sugar.

The New York Times - Health

He made what he calls a ''soufflé crepe.'' First, you caramelize apples in butter, thyme and a trace of sugar, browning them on the edges and cooking them until tender.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Add 2/3 cup sugar and the salt, and beat until all traces of sugar crystals disappear.

The New York Times - Food

But that was in the 1930s, when her father's business was reselling bakers' barrels to coopers, and the family would get first crack at them, scraping the wood for any traces of sugar or cocoa left behind.

Los Angeles Times

Flour consists of moisture, proteins (mainly in gluten form), a small proportion of fat or lipids, carbohydrates (mainly starch, with a small amount of sugar), a trace of fibre, mineral matter (higher amounts in whole meal), and various vitamins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chemical composition results of liquid fractions of both HT-treated Robigus leaf and stem showed the presence of a trace amount of sugars.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Even the Hubay is rendered with neither a trace of irony nor a grain of sugar.

The New York Times - Arts

Using a core of beautifully engineered patchouli, its scent is floral without a trace of heaviness, fresh without green, sweet without sugar -- in short, the scent of loveliness.

The New York Times

Add a touch of sugar.

WikiHow

Add a touch of sugar, if desired.

WikiHow

Speaking in menthol-cool tones that still carry a trace of arrogance, Mr. Ashford talks about his first meeting with Marvin Gaye, in which Mr. Ashford didn't bother to sugar his disdain for pop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of sugar" when you want to subtly indicate the presence of sugar without emphasizing a large quantity. This phrase is often appropriate in recipes, nutritional information, or when describing flavors.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of sugar" when a simpler description like "slightly sweet" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of sugar" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a preposition or a component within a larger sentence structure. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and used to describe a small amount of sugar. Examples show its use in describing food content.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a trace of sugar" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a very small amount of sugar. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including food descriptions, scientific analysis, and general informative writing. While alternatives like "a hint of sweetness" or "a touch of sugar" exist, "a trace of sugar" offers a specific nuance that implies an almost negligible quantity. Be mindful not to overuse it in place of simpler descriptions for clarity and conciseness. Its frequency is 'common', and it appears mostly in 'News & Media', 'Wiki' and 'Science' sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of sugar

Similar to "a trace", emphasizing a minimal amount added for flavor enhancement.

a hint of sweetness

Focuses on the sensory experience of sweetness rather than the literal presence of sugar.

a dash of sugar

Implies a quick and small addition of sugar, suitable for cooking contexts.

a small amount of sugar

A more literal and descriptive alternative, less idiomatic than "a trace".

a whisper of sugar

Emphasizes the subtlety of the sugar presence, almost imperceptible.

a sprinkle of sugar

Suggests a light scattering of sugar, often used in baking or as a topping.

a mere amount of sugar

Highlights the insignificance of the sugar quantity.

slight sugar addition

Describes the act of adding sugar in a small quantity rather than the presence itself.

minimal sugar content

Focuses on the overall sugar content being low.

negligible sugar quantity

Indicates that the amount of sugar is so small it's practically unnoticeable.

FAQs

What does "a trace of sugar" mean?

The phrase "a trace of sugar" refers to a very small, almost imperceptible amount of sugar present in something, such as food or a chemical compound.

How can I use "a trace of sugar" in a sentence?

You might say, "The sauce has "a trace of sugar" to balance the acidity" or "The analysis revealed "a trace of sugar" in the sample."

What are some alternatives to "a trace of sugar"?

Some alternatives include "a hint of sweetness", "a touch of sugar", or "a small amount of sugar".

Is it correct to say "a trace of sugars" instead of "a trace of sugar"?

While "a trace of sugar" typically refers to a single type of sugar or sugar in general, "a trace of sugars" could be used if referring to very small amounts of multiple different types of sugars.