dab of butter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dab of butter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of butter, typically in cooking or food preparation contexts. Example: "For the recipe, you only need a dab of butter to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Food Preparation

Recipes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A dab of butter increases the lustre factor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A teensy dab of butter on the lips.

The New Yorker

But that mere dab of butter was soon gone and the bowl remained empty throughout our meal.

The New York Times

At a restaurant, he let his then-baby boy taste a dab of butter on his finger, and "one woman almost reached up to stop me — little slights like that".

The New York Times

The salad was followed by small white bowls of polenta made from New Jersey cornmeal, cooked with nothing more than water, a dab of butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, then topped with sautéed oyster mushrooms.

The New York Times

The five-ounce burger patty — which cost more than $330,000 to produce and was paid for by Google co-founder Sergey Brin — arrived under a silver dome and was promptly put onto a pan to sizzle with a dab of butter and a splash of sunflower oil.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Dab a pat of butter on each apricot.

WikiHow

He then filmed one pan with a dab of unsalted butter and a few drops of corn oil before adding the sea bass.

The New York Times - Magazine

The day Oscar put a little dab of peanut butter on his year-old son Andrew's tongue was the day everything changed.

The New York Times - Health

On a recent visit, it included baingan bharta, a Punjabi eggplant dish, served inside a cornetto-style cone made from sun-dried tomato flour, and a tikki croquette elevated with beetroot, a dab of peanut butter and caper-wasabi chutney.

The New York Times - Travel

He favors a dab of peanut butter, and if the mice are not interested in that, a good alternative is a cotton ball with a few drops of vanilla flavoring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dab of butter" in a recipe, be mindful of the context. If precision is needed, quantify the amount (e.g., "a quarter teaspoon of butter") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dab of butter" when a significant amount of butter is required. While "dab" implies a small quantity, ensure it accurately reflects the intended amount in your recipe or instruction. If more than a teaspoon is needed, specify the exact quantity (e.g. "tablespoon", "ounce", etc.)

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dab of butter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier specifying the quantity of butter being added or used in a recipe or dish. As Ludwig shows, it describes a small, imprecise amount.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

21%

The New York Times - Food

7%

Less common in

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4%

Huffington Post

4%

Vice

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dab of butter" is a common and acceptable way to describe adding a small amount of butter, particularly in cooking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely understood. While its informality makes it less suitable for formal or scientific writing, it’s perfectly appropriate for recipes, news articles, and general content. For increased precision, consider specifying the amount with a measurable quantity. Alternatives like "pat of butter" or "knob of butter" offer similar meanings, while maintaining understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small pat of butter

Replaces "dab" with "pat", both indicating a small amount.

knob of butter

Uses "knob" as a synonym for a small piece or amount of butter.

bit of butter

Employs "bit" to signify a small quantity of butter.

touch of butter

Substitutes "dab" with "touch" to convey a minimal amount.

dollop of butter

Suggests a slightly larger, but still small, rounded mass of butter.

smidgen of butter

Indicates an extremely small amount of butter.

dash of butter

Implies a very quick and light application of butter.

small quantity of butter

More formal way of saying a small amount of butter.

speck of butter

Emphasizes a tiny, almost negligible amount of butter.

mite of butter

Uses "mite" to indicate a very small portion of butter.

FAQs

How can I use "dab of butter" in a sentence?

You can use "dab of butter" to describe adding a small amount of butter to enhance flavor or texture, as in, "Add a "dab of butter" to the pan before sautéing the vegetables."

What's a more formal way to say "dab of butter"?

A more formal alternative to "dab of butter" would be "small quantity of butter" or "a small amount of butter". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts where precision and clarity are paramount.

What can I say instead of "dab of butter"?

You can use alternatives like "pat of butter", "knob of butter", or "touch of butter" depending on the context.

Is "dab of butter" the same as "pat of butter"?

While both phrases refer to a small quantity of butter, "pat of butter" often implies a pre-cut, individually wrapped portion, while "dab of butter" simply indicates a small, undefined amount. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.