add a scant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "add a scant" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking or measurement contexts to indicate adding a small amount of an ingredient, often less than a full measurement. Example: "For the recipe, you should add a scant teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Place the rice in a medium-size heavy saucepan and add a scant 2 cups cold bottled water.

The New York Times

Place a round in the palm of one hand, add a scant teaspoon of mincemeat, then draw the opposite edges together and pleat to make a Chinese dumpling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Scatter five or so whole garlic cloves on top, add a scant cup of water or stock and bake them, covered, in a 400-degree oven for about 30 minutes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He added a scant teaspoon of the pale green sansho, brought the mixture to a simmer and turned it off.

The New York Times - Food

U.S. employers added a scant 74,000 jobs in December, the fewest in three years.

Huffington Post

I sliced them thin, sweated them over low heat in a generous tablespoon (around 20 g) butter, sprinkled with salt and pepper, then when they were soft but not at all browned added a scant quarter cup (60 ml) chicken stock.

Huffington Post

He said the submarine also added to a scant collection of Pearl Harbor artifacts.

The New York Times

Meant to run on hardware already in the field, like Blackberry devices, RapidFTR can add a child to the system with only scant bits of information.

The New York Times

Marsh scythed through rare poor Warrington defence for the Vikings third try but it was scant consolation with Ratchford still having time to add a second for Warrington and converting his own effort.

The Guardian - Sport

Elizabeth Cochran (she later added a final "e" to Cochran) received scant formal schooling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transfer to a lightly oiled baking dish (1 1/2 to 2-quart), and add 1 scant cup of the broth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "add a scant", ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to a quantity that is deliberately less than the expected or standard amount. This emphasizes precision or limitation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "scant" means the ingredient is optional. It specifies the amount to add, not whether to add it at all. If the ingredient is truly optional, state that explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "add a scant" primarily functions as a modifier specifying the quantity of an ingredient or component to be included. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used in cooking or measurement contexts to denote a small amount. It is used to specify or modify an action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "add a scant" serves as a directive to include a small, carefully measured amount of something, typically in cooking or technical instructions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for emphasizing precision. While its frequency is not high, its usage in sources like the New York Times and The Guardian suggests a degree of formality and attention to detail. When employing this phrase, make sure the context makes it clear you refer to a specific amount to show precision. Remember that "scant" defines the quantity to add and not whether to add something or not.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add a touch

Replaces "scant" with "touch" to emphasize a minimal addition.

add a smidgen

Uses the informal "smidgen" to indicate a very small quantity.

add a pinch

Employs "pinch" for a tiny amount, often used for dry ingredients.

add a dash

Uses "dash" to suggest a quick and small addition, typically for liquids.

add a minimal amount

Replaces "scant" with the more formal "minimal amount."

add a negligible quantity

Uses more technical terms to emphasize the insignificance of the addition.

add just a bit

Employs "just a bit" for a colloquial way of indicating a small amount.

add barely enough

Focuses on the sufficiency aspect, highlighting that the amount added is only just adequate.

add the smallest possible amount

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the addition.

incorporate a modicum

Replaces "add a scant" with the synonym "incorporate a modicum" to indicate a small addition.

FAQs

How do I use "add a scant" in a sentence?

Use "add a scant" when you want to specify that only a small amount of something should be added. For instance, "Add a scant teaspoon of sugar to reduce the acidity."

What's a good substitute for "add a scant"?

Alternatives include "add a pinch", "add a dash", or "add just a bit", depending on the ingredient and the level of formality you desire.

Is it ever wrong to use "add a scant"?

While grammatically correct, "add a scant" might sound overly formal in very casual contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

How does "add a scant" compare to "add a little"?

"Add a scant" emphasizes the small amount being added more strongly than "add a little". "Scant" suggests the amount is not just small, but perhaps deliberately limited.