make slits in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make slits in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of cutting narrow openings or incisions in a material or surface. Example: "To prepare the dough for baking, make slits in the top to allow steam to escape."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The insects are hard on trees and bushes, though, Hamilton said: "They make slits in the ends of branches to lay their eggs, so you get some dieback".

The New Yorker

Make slits in the top.

WikiHow

Make slits in the circles.

WikiHow

Make slits in the folded edge.

WikiHow

Make slits in the back of your shirt.

WikiHow

If you're braiding, continue reading: Make slits in each piece of fringe.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Bake 50 minutes; make slit in each to let out steam; bake 10 minutes more.

The New York Times - Food

If you want more rooms, simply slide in more dividers, making slits in the cardboard lengths that will slide over the already fitted divider pieces.

WikiHow

Take a sturdy knife and make slits about a 1/4 in.

WikiHow

(Alternatively, make slits and push them upward, then glue in place).

WikiHow

The Spanish will be glad to make some headlines for their on-court actions, having seen the pre-match build-up dominated by their insensitive team photo, which depicted the players making slit-eye gestures in reference to their Chinese opponents.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In crafting contexts, always indicate the spacing and pattern of the slits, such as: "Make evenly spaced slits in the fabric."

Common error

Avoid using "splits" when you mean "slits". "Slits" refers to narrow cuts, while "splits" implies a division into separate parts. Incorrect: "Make splits in the dough." Correct: "Make slits in the dough."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make slits in" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of creating narrow openings or incisions within a material. It is commonly used in instructional contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig, offering clear direction in tasks ranging from cooking to crafting. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make slits in" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of creating narrow cuts or openings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is instructional, commonly found in cooking recipes, crafting guides, and other contexts requiring precise directions. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal due to its prevalence in sources like WikiHow. When writing, be mindful of the context and specify the depth, length, and spacing of the slits for clarity. Remember to use "slits", not "splits", to avoid confusion. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and effectively use "make slits in" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slit

Uses the noun form of the verb, placing emphasis on the slit itself.

cut incisions in

Replaces "make slits" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the precision of the cut.

create openings in

Emphasizes the creation of an opening rather than the cutting action, suitable when the result is more important than the method.

cut small openings in

Specifies the size of openings created by cutting.

incise

A more concise and formal verb for creating slits.

score

Refers to making shallow cuts, often in food preparation.

slash

Implies a more forceful and less precise cutting action.

perforate

Suggests creating a series of small holes or slits.

gash

Indicates a long, deep cut.

nick

Suggests creating small, superficial cuts.

FAQs

How do I properly use "make slits in" in a sentence?

Use "make slits in" to describe the action of creating narrow openings or incisions. For example, "To bake the bread evenly, "make slits in" the top of the dough."

What are some alternatives to saying "make slits in"?

You can use alternatives such as "cut incisions in", "create openings in", or simply "slit", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "make splits in" instead of "make slits in"?

No, it's not correct. "Splits" implies dividing something into separate parts, while ""make slits in"" refers to creating narrow cuts or openings.

When is it appropriate to use a more formal alternative to "make slits in"?

In formal writing, such as scientific papers or technical manuals, consider using alternatives like "incise" or "cut incisions in" for a more professional tone.