hint of spice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of spice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight addition of spice to food or drink, indicating a flavor enhancement without being overpowering. Example: "The dish had a delightful hint of spice that elevated its overall flavor profile."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food & Drink

Wine Tasting

Flavor Descriptors

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's moist and there's a gentle hint of spice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Beautifully rich and just a hint of spice.

The Guardian - Travel

The faintest hint of spice, but mostly dregs.

The New Yorker

Traditional flavours of apricots and honey are shot through with a hint of spice and smoke.

Independent

We try to give a hint of spice in every dish.

The New York Times - Travel

And except for a hint of spice, the "special sauce" on the heavily breaded calamari flopped.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I had a nearly perfect cardamom panna cotta with a coffee-caramel sauce one night, and a dry, drab pear spice cake with almost no hint of spices on another.

The New York Times - Food

The Biscoff spread, which is slightly sweeter than traditional speculoos, adds a subtle hint of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg.

Huffington Post

By 2007/8, it may, though, have developed deeper hints of spice (coriander and pepper) and become raunchier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The citrussy syrup, with hints of spice, takes the edge off the natural bitterness of the brussels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The result is a rich amber spirit that has the subtle vegetal allure of agave plus smoky overtones and hints of spice and prunes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food or beverages, use the phrase "hint of spice" to indicate a subtle, non-overpowering presence of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile without being dominant.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of spice" when the spice is actually quite pronounced. Opt for terms like "spicy" or "flavorful" to accurately reflect the dish's characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of spice" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies another noun, offering specific detail regarding its flavor profile. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing subtle flavor elements in food and beverages.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

20%

Food & Drink

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hint of spice" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to describe a subtle presence of spice, primarily in the context of food and drink. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its widespread use in news and lifestyle publications. While the phrase is typically neutral, it's important to ensure the level of spice is accurately represented to avoid misinterpretation. Alternatives such as "touch of spice" or "subtle spiciness" can be used to add nuance. Avoid using the phrase when the spiciness is actually strong. It's most often encountered in news and lifestyle articles, demonstrating its accessibility and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of spice

Emphasizes a minimal quantity of spice.

subtle spiciness

Highlights the understated and gentle nature of the spice.

dash of spice

Suggests a quick and small addition of spice.

delicate spice

Conveys a mild and pleasant spice character.

tinge of spice

Implies a slight coloring or influence of spice.

nuance of spice

Highlights a subtle and sophisticated aspect of spice.

smidgen of spice

Highlights an extremely small amount of spice.

undertone of spice

Suggests a background or subtle layer of spice.

whisper of spice

Conveys a very faint and delicate spice presence.

fleeting spice

Implies the spice is noticeable only briefly.

FAQs

How can I use "hint of spice" in a sentence?

You can use "hint of spice" to describe a subtle flavor element, such as "The sauce had a delightful hint of spice that complemented the sweetness of the tomatoes."

What are some alternatives to saying "hint of spice"?

You can use alternatives like "touch of spice", "dash of spice", or "subtle spiciness depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hint of spice" when describing non-food items?

While primarily used for culinary descriptions, "hint of spice" can metaphorically describe a subtle yet noticeable quality in other contexts, such as "The conversation had a hint of spice due to the underlying tension".

What's the difference between "hint of spice" and "spicy"?

"Hint of spice" implies a very mild presence of spice, while "spicy" suggests a more pronounced and dominant flavor.