light dusting of snow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light dusting of snow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of snow that has fallen, typically covering surfaces lightly. Example: "The morning revealed a light dusting of snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The ground is covered with a light dusting of snow.

Independent

(The chilly damp weather, with a light dusting of snow Thursday evening, didn't help).

The New York Times

He particularly recommends a stroll after a light dusting of snow.

The New York Times

I walked to the Bx16, which rolls past the cemetery — especially picturesque with a light dusting of snow.

The New York Times

A light dusting of snow was also reported in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia on Tuesday night.

The Guardian

In Charleston, South Carolina, which nowadays grinds to a halt with a light dusting of snow, the harbour froze hard enough to skate on.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In France the Portes du Soleil (Avoriaz, 260-300cm, and Les Gets, 115-230cm) had 20cm of new snow while the Three Valleys had a light dusting of new snow.

The Guardian - Travel

Grate a light dusting of chocolate on top.

The New York Times

Don't forget the light dusting of 22-karat gold.

The New York Times

A light dusting of breadcrumbs added a nice crunch. .

Los Angeles Times

Apply a light dusting of matte powder.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, use "light dusting of snow" to create a sense of delicate beauty or a subtle hint of winter's arrival.

Common error

Avoid using "light dusting of snow" metaphorically when describing non-weather related situations. It's best suited for literal descriptions of snowy conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "light dusting of snow" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is used to depict a scene where a thin layer of snow covers a surface. The examples show this being used to describe landscapes, objects, or even people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "light dusting of snow" is a common and grammatically correct descriptive phrase used to depict a thin layer of snow covering a surface. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to provide a visual image, often associated with winter scenes in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, it is advisable to use it primarily in a literal sense. Related phrases include "sprinkling of snow" and "thin layer of snow", offering slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sprinkling of snow

Replaces "dusting" with "sprinkling", suggesting a more scattered and less uniform covering.

flurry of snow

Uses "flurry" to imply a brief and light snowfall, rather than a settled layer.

skiff of snow

Employs "skiff" which refers to a very light and thin layer of snow.

touch of snow

Substitutes "light dusting" with "touch", indicating a minimal amount of snow.

powdering of snow

Uses "powdering" to convey the image of a fine, powdery layer of snow.

thin layer of snow

Focuses on the thinness of the snow covering, rather than the act of dusting.

slight snowfall

Replaces the descriptive phrase with a more direct term for a small amount of snow falling.

gentle snow covering

Emphasizes the mildness and evenness of the snow spread.

frosting of snow

Evokes a visual of snow resembling frosting on a cake, implying a delicate and decorative layer.

mere trace of snow

Highlights the minimal quantity of snow present, almost negligible.

FAQs

How can I use "light dusting of snow" in a sentence?

You can use "light dusting of snow" to describe a landscape, like: "The mountains had a light dusting of snow on their peaks."

What's a good alternative to "light dusting of snow"?

Alternatives include "sprinkling of snow", "flurry of snow", or "thin layer of snow", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "light dusting of snow" in formal writing?

Yes, "light dusting of snow" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, as it's a descriptive phrase that doesn't contain slang or overly casual language.

What does "light dusting of snow" imply about the weather conditions?

It suggests that it has snowed, but only a small amount, not enough to cause significant accumulation or disruption. It could also imply that the snow is fresh and has just fallen.