ball of dough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of dough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a rounded mass of dough, typically in the context of baking or cooking. Example: "After kneading the dough for several minutes, I shaped it into a ball of dough and set it aside to rise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It should make a cohesive ball of dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"She starts off with a little ball of dough made from flour and water.

The New York Times - Food

Add just enough cold water to bind the mixture into a ball of dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take one ball of dough and roll it out into a 10 12cm round.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4. Roll out larger ball of dough between 2 sheets of floured plastic wrap.

The New York Times - Food

Slowly add 125ml of lukewarm water and mix to a rough ball of dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Be careful not to overmix or you will end up with a ball of dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For each roti, roll out 1 ball of dough to a 10-inch round.

The New York Times - Magazine

3 Dust your hands with icing sugar, and scoop out a walnut-sized ball of dough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Set aside and repeat with remaining ball of dough.

Huffington Post

Divide the ball of dough into 2 pieces.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for dividing the dough, ensure each "ball of dough" is roughly the same size for even cooking.

Common error

Avoid overmixing when forming the "ball of dough", as this can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tough texture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ball of dough" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the direct object or subject complement in sentences. It refers to a specific, shaped mass of dough, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ball of dough" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the rounded mass of dough formed during baking. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It's found frequently in cooking recipes and lifestyle articles. Alternative phrases, such as "lump of dough", "mass of dough", and "portion of dough", can be used depending on the desired nuance. When working with "ball of dough", ensure even sizing and avoid overmixing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lump of dough

Replaces "ball" with "lump", indicating a less perfectly shaped mass.

mass of dough

Substitutes "ball" with "mass", implying a general quantity of dough.

portion of dough

Replaces "ball" with "portion", suggesting a measured amount of dough.

piece of dough

Uses "piece" instead of "ball", referring to an individual segment of dough.

round of dough

Emphasizes the circular shape of the dough.

clump of dough

Suggests a less refined, more rustic mass of dough.

mound of dough

Describes the dough as a heap or pile.

dollop of dough

Indicates a small, soft mass of dough.

glob of dough

Implies a sticky, amorphous mass of dough.

handful of dough

Refers to the amount of dough that can be held in one hand.

FAQs

How to use "ball of dough" in a sentence?

You can use "ball of dough" to describe the initial form of dough after mixing, such as: "After kneading, shape the dough into a "ball of dough" and let it rest."

What can I say instead of "ball of dough"?

You can use alternatives like "lump of dough", "mass of dough", or "portion of dough" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "ball of dough" or "dough ball"?

Both "ball of dough" and "dough ball" are acceptable. "Ball of dough" emphasizes the shape, while "dough ball" acts as a compound noun describing the item. The choice depends on your preference.

What is the significance of forming a "ball of dough" in baking?

Forming a "ball of dough" helps to develop gluten, creating structure and elasticity. It also allows for even rising and easier handling during subsequent steps.