hint of sugar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hint of sugar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight sweetness in food or drink, often in a culinary context. Example: "The dessert had a delightful hint of sugar that balanced the tartness of the fruit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food descriptions

Cocktail recipes

Flavor profiles

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Sweetener No. 2, for instance, had only a hint of sugar, while No. 15 tasted like pure syrup.

The New York Times

Simplicity is something that many classic cocktails have in common, and the combination of a good Dry Gin, a beautiful Champagne, some freshly squeezed lemon juice and a hint of sugar is the definition of simplicity.

Independent

While classic, sweet German Riesling still attracts a cult following in places like Britain and the United States, Germans now consider anything with even a hint of sugar the ultimate in kitsch.

The New York Times - Food

It hits my tongue hard, the fiery spices tempered with a hint of sugar, and I order a platter of giant local shrimp to go with it, the prawns charcoal-grilled over a barbecue and topped with a tangy, delicious garlic-and-lemon sauce.

The New York Times - Travel

The haters will point out the unpalatable garlicky aftertaste masked by a hint of sugar.

Duke University

The hint of sugar from the sweet plantain blended perfectly with the fluffier cassava and the savoury, starchier green plantain.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mussels were bathed in a creamy, coconut-lemon grass broth, but squeeze in the accompanying wedge of lime to offset a hint of palm sugar.

The New York Times

The trick, it turned out, was a good amount of fresh orange zest and just a hint of brown sugar to smooth out the acridity of the spices.

Los Angeles Times

While white granulated may taste purely sweet, different types of brown sugar can lend all kinds of interesting flavor notes ranging from caramel to butterscotch to faint hints of burnt sugar.

The New York Times - Food

For an extra hint of sweetness, sprinkle your biscuits with a pinch or two of sugar before serving.

WikiHow

There were some excellent recipes given out on a radio programme called 'the kitchen front' which also gave helpful hints on preserving foods without the use of sugar.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hint of sugar" when you want to delicately suggest the presence of sweetness without it being overpowering. It's ideal for describing nuanced flavors in culinary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of sugar" metaphorically in contexts unrelated to food or taste, as it may sound unnatural or forced. Opt for more appropriate expressions like "a touch of irony" or "a shade of regret" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of sugar" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It is used to describe a subtle or slight sweetness, typically in food or drink. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hint of sugar" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a subtle presence of sweetness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While primarily found in culinary contexts and food descriptions, its neutral register makes it suitable for broader use. Alternative expressions include "touch of sweetness" and "trace of sugar". Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in non-food-related contexts to maintain clarity and naturalness in your writing. Pay attention to context to make the most appropriate word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of sweetness

Emphasizes a minimal amount of sweetness, similar to "hint of sugar".

trace of sugar

Indicates a very small, almost imperceptible amount of sugar.

dash of sugar

Suggests a quick and small addition of sugar for a subtle sweetening effect.

smidgen of sugar

Implies an extremely small quantity of sugar added.

whisper of sugar

Conveys a very faint and delicate presence of sugar.

subtle sweetness

Focuses on the quality of the sweetness being understated rather than the quantity of sugar.

slight sweetness

Highlights that the sweetness is not overpowering or dominant.

delicate sweetness

Similar to "subtle sweetness", emphasizing the gentle nature of the sweet flavor.

faint sweetness

Indicates that the sweetness is barely noticeable.

undertone of sugar

Suggests that the sweetness is a background flavor, complementing other tastes.

FAQs

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

You can use "hint of sugar" to describe a subtle sweetness in food or drink. For example, "The sauce had a delightful hint of sugar that balanced the acidity of the tomatoes."

What's the difference between "hint of sugar" and "touch of sweetness"?

While both phrases suggest a subtle sweetness, "hint of sugar" specifically refers to the presence of sugar, whereas "touch of sweetness" can refer to sweetness from any source.

What can I say instead of "hint of sugar"?

You can use alternatives like "trace of sugar", "dash of sugar", or "subtle sweetness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hint of sugar"?

Yes, "hint of sugar" is grammatically correct. It functions as a noun phrase describing a subtle presence of sweetness.