as a sauce for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a sauce for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a condiment or accompaniment that enhances the flavor of a dish. Example: "I love to use garlic aioli as a sauce for my grilled vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Serve as a sauce for the asparagus.

The New York Times

Serve as a sauce for tartuffo.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sorrel is also good as a sauce for shad roe.

The New York Times

Ottolenghi suggests using pomegranate molasses as a sauce for meat dishes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of my favorites, Catalan samfaina, is often used as a sauce for rabbit, chicken or salt cod.

The New York Times - Food

Use as a dressing for shredded cabbage or other salads or as a sauce for tofu, fish or tempeh.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Pair them with avocado, dice them to add to a vinaigrette with a dash of mustard, or try them as the start of a sauce for pork or duck.

The New York Times - Food

Think of this as a kit: a spice blend, a sauce for coating the tortillas and a killer gravy you'll be glad to have on hand.

The Washington Post

Tahini is also used as a sauce ingredient for fish and vegetable dishes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tahina is often used as a dressing for falafel, serves as a cooking sauce for meat and fish, and forms the basis of sweets such as halva.

Wikipedia

It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, and doubles as a simple sauce for ice-cream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sauce, be specific about the foods it complements; for instance, say “as a sauce for grilled fish” rather than just “as a sauce”.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions; instead of saying something is "good as a sauce", specify the flavor profile and texture so readers understand its utility and appeal. For example, mention if it's tangy, creamy, or spicy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a sauce for" functions as a prepositional phrase. It connects a sauce to the food item it is intended to enhance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a sauce for" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed prepositional phrase used to describe the intended culinary application of a sauce. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to connect a sauce to the food item it enhances. When using this phrase, specificity in describing the flavor profile and complementary foods will make your writing more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for use as a sauce

This alternative emphasizes the intended purpose of something being a sauce.

suitable as a sauce

This phrase focuses on the appropriateness of a particular item to be used as a sauce.

can be used as a sauce

This suggests the possibility or capability of using something as a sauce.

functions as a sauce

This highlights the role or function that something performs as a sauce.

serves as a sauce

Similar to 'functions as', this emphasizes the serving purpose of the sauce.

works well as a sauce

This focuses on the effectiveness and success of using something as a sauce.

ideal as a sauce

Indicates that something is particularly well-suited to be used as a sauce.

intended as a sauce

Highlights the deliberate intention to use something specifically as a sauce.

designed as a sauce

Suggests that something was specifically created to function as a sauce.

to be used as a sauce

This alternative emphasizes the planned action of using the item as a sauce.

FAQs

How do I properly use "as a sauce for" in a sentence?

Use "as a sauce for" to describe what a sauce is intended to complement. For example, "This chimichurri is excellent "as a sauce for" grilled meats".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as a sauce for"?

You can use phrases like "for use "as a topping for"", "to be used "with"", or "suitable "as a glaze for"" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as a sauce to" instead of "as a sauce for"?

No, the correct preposition is "for". "As a sauce to" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What kind of dishes commonly use something "as a sauce for" them?

The phrase "as a sauce for" is commonly used with dishes like pasta, meats, vegetables, and even desserts, depending on the sauce's flavor profile.