dash of water

USAGE SUMMARY

"dash of water" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount of liquid, especially when making a comparison to a larger quantity. For example, "I only need a dash of water to complete this recipe, not a full cup."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Beverages

Planet Formation

Hair Care

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Coconut milk, and a dash of water, seems the best option.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add a dash of water and carry on cooking until the mixture darkens and caramelises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of brown sugar over the fruit and a tiny dash of water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cook for 3 minutes, then add the chickpeas, a dash of vinegar and a dash of water and season well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Heat the sugar for the caramel in a saucepan with a dash of water and boil to a dark reddish caramel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now, for those who insist on using lump or granulated sugar, a dash of water is essential – you'll never dissolve it in alcohol alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

PAGE B1 DASH OF COLD WATER The modest sales of cold-water laundry detergents suggest that skeptical consumers are more concerned about getting the clothes clean than being green.

The New York Times

To make garlic and anchovy sauce, cover garlic with 300ml milk and add a dash of cold water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add the tagliarini to the nettles with a dash of pasta water and butter and stir for around 30 seconds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With comic efficiency, Pinto throws a dash of cold water on the mind-set of simple test answers and obvious questions.

The New York Times

Either way, if it doesn't quite come together, add a dash of hot water to leave you with a thick, creamy puree.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash of water" to indicate a very small quantity, often when precision isn't critical, such as in cooking or mixing beverages. This conveys a sense of informality and approximation.

Common error

Avoid using "dash of water" in formal scientific or technical writing where precise measurements are expected. Instead, opt for more specific terms like "a few milliliters of water" or provide the exact measurement.

Linguistic Context

Nominal Phrase: "Dash of water" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to denote a small quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dash of water" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a small, often imprecise, amount of water. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its acceptability across varied contexts. While frequently used in informal settings, such as cooking or mixing beverages, it should be avoided in formal scientific writing where precise measurements are necessary. Alternatives like "a small amount of water" or specifying the exact volume may be more appropriate in such scenarios. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, reflecting its broad applicability, but less so in Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

splash of water

Implies a slightly larger, more impactful addition than a dash.

drop of water

Refers to an extremely small, almost negligible amount of water.

a bit of water

More general term indicating a small quantity of water.

a touch of water

Emphasizes a subtle addition of water.

a trickle of water

Suggests a very small flow or stream of water.

a small amount of water

Formal and precise way to express a limited quantity of water.

a hint of water

Implies a subtle presence or influence of water.

a modicum of water

Formal and emphasizes a very limited quantity of water.

a soupçon of water

Borrowed from French, implies a very small amount used for flavoring or slight modification.

smidgen of water

An informal term for a very small amount.

FAQs

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

You might say, "Add a "dash of water" to the pan to prevent the sauce from sticking" or "The bartender added a "dash of water" to the whiskey to release its aromas."

What's a more formal way to say "dash of water"?

For formal writing, consider using phrases like "a small amount of water" or specifying the exact volume, such as "a few milliliters of water".

Is "dash of water" appropriate for scientific writing?

While understandable, "dash of water" is generally too imprecise for scientific writing. It's better to use specific measurements for accuracy.

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

A "splash of water" generally indicates a larger amount than a "dash of water". A dash is a very small, almost negligible amount, while a splash is more noticeable.