as an appetizer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as an appetizer' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically describes something that is served before the main dish in a meal. For example, "I had a salad as an appetizer before my steak dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Serves 8 as an appetizer.

The New York Times - Magazine

This seems appropriate as an appetizer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Serves 6 as an appetizer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Serves six as an appetizer.

The New York Times

As such it's redundant as an appetizer.

The New York Times

Maybe onion rings as an appetizer.

The New York Times - Travel

The short selection is meant as an appetizer.

The New Yorker

Serve these as an appetizer or side dish.

The New York Times

The tamales can be served as an appetizer or snack.

The New York Times

(Order them with spaghetti, or as an appetizer).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

An adult will have a hot dog as an appetizer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a dish, specify the portion size or number of servings when it's served "as an appetizer" to set appropriate expectations.

Common error

Before suggesting a dish served "as an appetizer", always consider dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests to avoid offering something unsuitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an appetizer" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating the purpose or role of something – usually food – in relation to a meal. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an appetizer" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase to describe a dish served before the main course. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and suggests it is most frequently found in news and media, as well as Wiki articles. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration should be given to dietary restrictions and appropriate portion sizes when recommending dishes "as an appetizer". Alternatives such as "as a starter" or "as a first course" can be used depending on context and desired formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a starter

Replaces "appetizer" with a synonym that's commonly used, particularly in British English.

for an appetizer

Adds a preposition to clarify the intended purpose or function.

for starters

More informal version of "as a starter", indicating what is served first.

as a first course

Uses more formal terminology to describe the introductory part of the meal.

before the main course

Explicitly states the timing of the dish in relation to the main part of the meal.

as a pre-dinner snack

Highlights the snacking aspect of the appetizer, emphasizing that it's a small bite before dinner.

to begin with

Indicates the start of a meal but is more general and less food-specific.

as an hors d'oeuvre

Introduces a French term for a small, savory dish served before a meal.

to whet the appetite

Focuses on the purpose of an appetizer which is to stimulate hunger.

as a prelude to the meal

Emphasizes the introductory nature of the dish, similar to a musical prelude.

FAQs

How can I use "as an appetizer" in a sentence?

You can use "as an appetizer" to describe a dish served before the main course, such as "We enjoyed the bruschetta "as an appetizer" before our pasta dishes".

What are some alternatives to "as an appetizer"?

Alternatives include "as a starter", "as a first course", or "before the main course". The best choice depends on the context and formality of the situation.

Is it redundant to say "as an appetizer dish"?

Yes, saying "appetizer dish" is generally redundant because an appetizer is already understood to be a dish. It's better to simply say "as an appetizer".

What is the difference between "as an appetizer" and "as a side dish"?

"As an appetizer" refers to a dish served before the main course to stimulate the appetite, while "as a side dish" refers to a dish served alongside the main course to complement it. A salad could be "as an appetizer" or "as a side dish" depending on when it is served.