dash of oil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash of oil" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a cooking ingredient or when describing the amount needed. For example, "Add a dash of oil to the pan before adding your vegetables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Heat the wok again, adding another dash of oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add a dash of oil or water if necessary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the Linda McCartney VegeMince and a dash of oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put a dash of oil into another pan on a medium heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add a teaspoon of lemon juice, horseradish and a dash of oil and whisk vigorously again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Turn the heat to medium, add a dash of oil and the spuds, and saute until golden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Top with a blob of yoghurt and a squirt of chilli sauce one day, mix with a dash of chilli oil the next, and drizzle with parsley-garlic oil (mash together in a pestle and mortar) the following day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dip them in a simple batter (flour, salt, pepper, a dash of olive oil, whisked with enough water or beer to get a thick paint consistency), deep-fry in sunflower oil for a minute or two until crisp and golden brown, sprinkle with sea salt and devour with a glass of chilled rosé.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Serves 4) Dash of groundnut oil 25g butter 400g pork fillet cut to fit the pan 1 tsp mustard seeds, crushed 100ml olive oil 2 spring onions, sliced 25ml white wine vinegar 2 yellow chicory, sliced lengthways 1 tardivo or radicchio sliced lengthways 1 tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped 1 tsp salted smoked almonds, chopped Put a splash of groundnut oil in a frying pan on a medium heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add a dash of olive oil to a hot grill pan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dribble a dash of olive oil over each one, and serve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dash of oil" in a recipe, be specific about the type of oil (e.g., olive oil, sesame oil) if it significantly impacts the flavor.

Common error

Avoid using "dash of oil" when a more precise measurement is necessary for recipe accuracy; provide specific quantities (e.g., teaspoon, tablespoon) for consistent results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash of oil" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to specify the amount of oil used in a cooking context. Ludwig AI, confirms that the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash of oil" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a small, imprecise quantity of oil, predominantly in cooking contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that while precise measurements are favored in formal settings, "dash of oil" remains a practical and acceptable term for casual recipes and discussions. It’s crucial to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase or opt for a more specific measurement. As Ludwig shows, this phrase appears frequently in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A splash of oil

Replaces "dash" with "splash", indicating a slightly larger quantity but still small.

A drizzle of oil

Uses "drizzle" to suggest a slow, light application of oil.

A touch of oil

Emphasizes the minimal amount of oil used.

A small amount of oil

More explicitly states the quantity as being small.

A bit of oil

Informal way of indicating a small quantity of oil.

A drop of oil

Indicates an extremely small amount of oil.

A light coating of oil

Focuses on the result of applying a thin layer of oil.

A trace of oil

Highlights the minimal presence of oil.

A scant amount of oil

Uses "scant" to further emphasize the small quantity.

A trickle of oil

Suggests a very thin stream of oil.

FAQs

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

You can use "dash of oil" to indicate a small amount of oil is needed, for example, "Add a "dash of oil" to the pan before sautéing the vegetables".

What is a good substitute for "dash of oil"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "splash of oil", "drizzle of oil", or "touch of oil".

When is it appropriate to use "dash of oil" in a recipe?

It's appropriate when you need only a small amount of oil, and precision isn't critical. For example, when greasing a pan or adding a final touch of flavor. However, if accuracy is paramount, specify an exact measurement.

What's the difference between "dash of oil" and "splash of oil"?

While both indicate small amounts, "dash of oil" suggests a very small amount, almost negligible, whereas "splash of oil" implies a slightly larger, more noticeable quantity.