generous pinch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generous pinch of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking or recipes to describe a quantity of an ingredient that is more than a small amount but not precisely measured. Example: "Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stir in the peppers and a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times

Add the fennel and a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times

Add the garlic, peppers and a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times - Health

Add the squash and a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times - Health

Add garlic and a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times

Add the diced chard stalks, thyme, rosemary and a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times

2. Mash the garlic with a generous pinch of salt in a mortar and pestle.

The New York Times

Add the garlic, bay leaves, chilli, marjoram and a generous pinch of salt.

Independent

Add a generous pinch of salt, and stir in the garlic and oregano.

The New York Times - Health

Add a generous pinch of salt and the garlic and rice.

The New York Times

Cook, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften, and add a generous pinch of salt.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generous pinch of" when you want to indicate an approximate amount of a seasoning or ingredient without being overly precise in a recipe.

Common error

Avoid using "generous pinch of" in contexts outside of cooking or recipes, as it may sound awkward or out of place. Opt for more appropriate terms like "significant amount of" or "considerable portion of" in formal or non-culinary settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generous pinch of" functions as a modifier, specifying an inexact quantity of an ingredient, typically in cooking. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "generous pinch of" is a common and correct way to describe adding an approximate quantity of an ingredient, especially in cooking. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in reputable news and media sources. While grammatically sound, it's best suited for informal culinary contexts. When precision is required, alternative phrases like "ample amount of" or "substantial quantity of" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good measure of

Emphasizes the adequacy of the amount, suggesting more than a minimal quantity.

ample amount of

Replaces "pinch" with a more general term for quantity; broader application than just cooking.

generous handful of

Uses "handful" as a unit of measure, indicating a larger quantity than a pinch.

liberal sprinkling of

Focuses on the action of sprinkling, implying a scattered distribution of a generous amount.

heaping spoonful of

Uses a different unit of measure to imply a large amount.

decent helping of

Implies a generous portion or serving, often used in the context of food.

substantial quantity of

Replaces "pinch" with a more formal and precise term for amount; less common in informal cooking contexts.

considerable addition of

Highlights the act of adding a significant amount of something.

healthy dose of

Suggests a beneficial or substantial amount, often used metaphorically.

significant portion of

Focuses on the size of the portion being added; more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "generous pinch of" in a sentence?

You can use "generous pinch of" to describe adding an approximate, but noticeable, amount of an ingredient, such as "Add a "generous pinch of" salt to the sauce."

What can I say instead of "generous pinch of"?

You can use alternatives like "ample amount of", "heaping spoonful of", or "liberal sprinkling of depending on the context".

Is "generous pinch of" a precise measurement?

No, "generous pinch of" is not a precise measurement. It indicates an amount that is more than a small pinch but does not require exact quantification.

In what contexts is "generous pinch of" most appropriate?

"Generous pinch of" is most appropriate in informal cooking contexts, where precision is not critical, and a slightly larger than usual amount of a seasoning or ingredient is desired.