dash of

USAGE SUMMARY

"dash of" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a small quantity of an ingredient that is added to a recipe or drink. For example, "Add a dash of vanilla extract to the cake batter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dash of the 1970s.

The New York Times

A dash of M.C.

The New York Times

This dash of color helps.

The New Yorker

Dash of lemon juice.

The New York Times

A dash of wisdom, amid the shmaltz.

The New Yorker

With a dash of reality television.

The New York Times - Food

There's not a dash of virtuosity.

Independent

Verdict: Strindberg with a dash of optimism.

The New York Times

- a dash of audacity here?

The Guardian - Opinion

And a dash of pink.

The Guardian - Music

A dash of 60s Mod.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash of" to add a subtle or unexpected element. For example, "a dash of humor" can make a presentation more engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "dash of" excessively in your writing; it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "hint of" or "touch of" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash of" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically as part of a prepositional phrase that describes the addition of a small quantity of something. As seen in Ludwig, it is used to specify the amount of an ingredient or quality being added.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dash of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a small quantity of something, whether physical or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts, from cooking recipes to describing subtle qualities. Its frequency is notably high in news and media, as well as wiki-based content, reflecting its versatility. When writing, remember that using synonyms can help prevent repetitiveness and enrich your writing. All in all, "dash of" is an accessible and versatile phrase, useful for adding nuance and precision to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Focuses on a subtle indication rather than a precise measurement.

a touch of

Emphasizes a light or delicate application.

a sprinkle of

Suggests scattering a small quantity over a surface.

a splash of

Implies adding a liquid quickly and somewhat carelessly.

a drop of

Refers to an extremely small amount, often liquid.

a smidgen of

Indicates a tiny, often vaguely defined quantity.

a pinch of

Typically used for dry ingredients, suggesting a quantity that can be held between the thumb and forefinger.

a suspicion of

Implies an extremely small amount, barely perceptible.

a trace of

Highlights the presence of something in a very minimal quantity.

a whisper of

Emphasizes the subtlety and near imperceptibility of the added element.

FAQs

How can I use "dash of" in a sentence?

You can use "dash of" to indicate a small quantity of something added to enhance or modify something else. For example, "The recipe calls for a "dash of salt"" or "The presentation needs a "dash of humor"".

What are some alternatives to using "dash of"?

Alternatives to "dash of" include "hint of", "touch of", "sprinkle of", or "splash of", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "dash of" or "pinch of"?

The choice between "dash of" and "pinch of" depends on what you're referring to. "Dash of" is generally used for liquids or abstract qualities, while "pinch of" is typically used for dry, granular ingredients like salt or spices.

Can "dash of" be used for non-physical things?

Yes, "dash of" can be used metaphorically to describe a small amount of an intangible quality, such as "a "dash of optimism"" or "a "dash of audacity"".