a trace of sweetness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a trace of sweetness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or faint hint of sweetness in food, drink, or even in a person's demeanor or behavior. Example: "The dessert had a trace of sweetness that perfectly balanced the bitterness of the dark chocolate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food descriptions

Sensory experiences

Figurative language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Dulce is slightly sweet with very little heat; agridulce has only a trace of sweetness (but a good belt of heat); and picante is quite hot with just a trace of bitterness.

The New York Times

The effect was softly penetrating and eerie, with not a trace of sweetness.

The New York Times - Arts

Delicate French watercress that is stunningly sharp yet has a trace of sweetness, $12 a pound, will be available all summer at D'Attolico's Organic Farm on Saturdays in the Grand Army Plaza and Greenpoint markets in Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Food

What makes Ms. Ingrao's chocolate extraordinary is that it has only a trace of sweetness, just enough to dull the bitter edge of cocoa and to enhance the intense chocolate flavor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It had only the barest trace of sweetness.

The New York Times

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

Applewood bacon imparts a hint of sweetness.

The New York Times - Style

Most salads are dressed with a touch of sweetness.

The New York Times

The exterior is sturdy and has a hint of sweetness.

The New York Times - Food

It has a hint of sweetness, just shy of floral, no aftertaste.

The New York Times - Food

He suggests a sparkling wine, like a Prosecco, that has just a touch of sweetness. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a trace of sweetness" to describe subtle flavor nuances in culinary contexts, like desserts or beverages.

Common error

Avoid using "a trace of sweetness" to describe abstract concepts or emotions where a more direct term would be more appropriate and less cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a trace of sweetness" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or as a descriptive element within a larger sentence. It describes the presence of a small amount of sweetness. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing food and drink.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Food descriptions

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a trace of sweetness" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a subtle sweet flavor or quality. According to Ludwig, it's frequently used in food-related contexts and sensory descriptions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is important to avoid overuse in non-sensory situations. Consider alternatives like "a hint of sweetness" or "a touch of sweetness" for similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms that "a trace of sweetness" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of sweetness

Indicates a slight and subtle presence of sweetness, similar to a trace.

a touch of sweetness

Suggests a delicate and subtle amount of sweetness, almost imperceptible.

a whisper of sweetness

Emphasizes the lightness and subtlety of the sweetness.

a suggestion of sweetness

Highlights that the sweetness is merely implied or hinted at, not overtly present.

a delicate sweetness

Focuses on the fineness and subtlety of the sweet flavor.

a subtle sweetness

Indicates that the sweetness is not strong or pronounced, but understated.

a mild sweetness

Emphasizes the gentle and moderate nature of the sweetness.

a barest hint of sweetness

Stresses the minimal and almost undetectable quality of the sweetness.

slight sweetness

Directly describes the sweetness as being small in quantity or degree.

faint sweetness

Suggests that the sweetness is weak and not easily discernible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a trace of sweetness" to describe a subtle sweet flavor, such as, "The wine had "a trace of sweetness" that balanced its acidity".

What's the difference between "a trace of sweetness" and "a hint of sweetness"?

"A trace of sweetness" and "a hint of sweetness" are nearly synonymous, both indicating a subtle presence of sweetness. "Trace" might suggest an even smaller amount than "hint", but the difference is minimal.

What can I say instead of "a trace of sweetness"?

Alternatives include "a touch of sweetness", "a whisper of sweetness", or "a suggestion of sweetness", depending on the desired nuance.

Is "a trace of sweetness" formal or informal?

"A trace of sweetness" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, particularly when describing food or sensory experiences. It's a relatively neutral and widely understood phrase.