bunch of basil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bunch of basil" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a quantity of basil, typically in cooking or gardening contexts. Example: "I picked a fresh bunch of basil from the garden to add to my pasta sauce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A bunch of basil was always 50 cents".

The New York Times

Grate a fistful of parmesan and pick a bunch of basil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Next stop was an Italian restaurant, where Ms. Flory dropped off a $2 bunch of basil.

The New York Times

Chop them to a near-paste with garlic, anchovies, capers and a small bunch of basil or oregano.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In summer I add a bright bunch of basil in place of quarter of the spinach, and add some roasted tomatoes in place of the squash.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pulse a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds, most of a bunch of basil, the zest of one lemon and the juice of half in a blender.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Even though the bunches of basil, thyme, oregano, sage and mint will become smaller as summer draws to a close they will be plentiful until frost nips them.

The New York Times

At the Wednesday farmers' market in Florence, shoppers perused plum peppers, freshly cut sunflowers, jars of homemade pickles and fragrant bunches of basil, rushing them into cars before a midafternoon thunderstorm.

The New York Times

3 large bunches of basil 1 garlic clove Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 200ml/7fl oz extra-virgin olive oil 4 ripe beef tomatoes 4 buffalo mozzarella (100g/31/2oz each) 1 bunch of purple or green basil 75ml/3fl oz extra-virgin olive oil First make the basil oil.

Independent

We began a day of cooking together with several bunches of basil and a few heads of garlic, and I watched the piles of each quickly diminish as we washed and chopped the former and peeled and minced the latter.

The New York Times - Food

4 legs of rabbit, top bone of the thigh removed (ask your butcher to do this) 2 tbsp olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 very ripe sweet tomatoes, sliced into rounds 1 small bunch of small-leaf purple basil For the basil oil 3 large bunches of basil 1 clove of garlic, peeled Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 200ml/7fl oz extra-virgin olive oil Start by making the basil oil.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for a "bunch of basil", consider that sizes may vary. Judge the quantity based on the intensity of basil flavor desired in your dish.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every "bunch of basil" is the same size. Bunches from different stores or gardens can vary widely, so adjust the amount used based on visual estimation and taste.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bunch of basil" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as a direct object or a modifier specifying a quantity of basil. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bunch of basil" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a quantity of basil, particularly in culinary and gardening contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used across various sources, including news media and wikis, with a neutral register. When using "bunch of basil", it's essential to consider that the actual quantity can vary, so visual estimation is helpful. If you need alternative expressions, consider “"basil sprigs"”, “"clump of basil"”, or “"basil bundle"”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Basil bundle

Similar to "bunch", but can imply a more loosely tied or arranged collection.

Clump of basil

Suggests basil growing closely together, or gathered as a mass.

Basil sprigs

Refers to small stems or shoots of basil, focusing on individual parts rather than a gathered quantity.

Fresh basil leaves

Emphasizes the individual leaves of basil, suitable when the recipe needs just the leaves rather than the entire bunch.

Basil harvest

Indicates a gathering of basil, usually from one's own garden.

Gathering of basil

Emphasizes the act of collecting basil together.

Basil assortment

Refers to a diverse mix of basil varieties.

Selection of basil

Highlights a curated or chosen set of basil, possibly for specific qualities.

Assembly of basil

Suggests a collected quantity of basil, with slightly more formal tone.

Basil portion

Highlights the quantity of basil. It could also refer to part of bigger bunch.

FAQs

How can I use “bunch of basil” in a sentence?

You can use “bunch of basil” to describe an ingredient in a recipe, such as "I added a fresh bunch of basil to the tomato sauce." It can also describe what you purchased at a store, like "I bought a bunch of basil at the farmers' market today."

What can I say instead of "bunch of basil"?

You can use alternatives like “"basil sprigs"”, “"clump of basil"”, or “"basil bundle"” depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a basil bunch" instead of "a bunch of basil"?

While understandable, "a bunch of basil" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "A basil bunch" may sound awkward to native English speakers.

How do I store a “bunch of basil” to keep it fresh?

To keep a “bunch of basil” fresh, trim the stems and place it in a glass of water, like flowers. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator, or leave it uncovered on the counter.