morsel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'morsel' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small piece of food, or something that is enjoyed in small amounts. For example, you could say "She savored each morsel of her dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If not, Paramount's animated morsel Rango will remain the standard bearer following that $38.1m debut back on 4 March.

The Guardian - Film

He spooned a morsel of paste or greenish jam about as large as a thumb from a crystal vase, and placed it next to the silver spoon on each saucer.

The Guardian - Books

He chose not to eat a morsel of it.

The Guardian

She's never chopped, fried or boiled a morsel in her life before and is terrified, yet unsurprisingly with a few hours of tuition can whip out the meal to perfection.

The Guardian

Make a point of trying their morillo de atun, a delicious, disc-shaped morsel from the top of the fish's head.

The Guardian - Travel

Surprisingly, though, one of them had a morsel of insight amid all the chaff.

The Economist

Maultaschen came about when Swabian housewives wanted to reuse every last morsel and adapted Italian ravioli.

The Economist

Rather than provoking China by arming Taiwan and patrolling the seas, it would be better to placate it, and throw it the morsel of Taiwan.But to walk away from Taiwan would in effect mean ceding to China the terms of unification.

The Economist

For one thing, where Bertie Wooster preferred to start his days with weather forecast and a world report, Mortdecai begins with "a mouth wash, half a dexedrine, a morsel of anchovy toast and a Charvet dressing-gown".

The Economist

Mystics, rebels, feminists, exhibitionists: all have used hunger as a way to make a point.In an age of obesity, this is a clever notion and Ms Apt Russell scoops every morsel of interest from her subject.

The Economist

When it's the latter, the ambiguity softens the illicit nature of the request.A couple more curios: the English bribe is originally a French word that merely means "morsel" or "fragment".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something abstract or intangible, using "morsel" can add a touch of delicacy or refinement, as in "a morsel of information" or "a morsel of comfort".

Common error

While "morsel" can be appropriate in many situations, avoid overuse in overly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "portion" or "fragment" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "morsel" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a small piece or amount of something. Ludwig confirms that "morsel" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Travel

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "morsel" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to a small piece or quantity of something. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in English. It appears most commonly in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. While interchangeable with similar terms like "small piece" or "tiny bit", it offers a slightly more refined or delicate tone. When writing, be mindful of overusing "morsel" in overly formal situations where a more neutral term might be more appropriate. As Ludwig suggests, it is most effectively used to add nuance to descriptions of small quantities, both tangible and abstract.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small piece

Focuses on the physical aspect of a small fragment, suitable for tangible items.

tiny bit

Emphasizes the diminutive size and insignificance of the amount.

fragment

Highlights a broken or detached part of something larger.

crumb

Specifically refers to a tiny piece of bread, cake, or other baked goods.

iota

Indicates an extremely small quantity or degree.

speck

Suggests a minute particle or spot, often barely visible.

dash

Implies a small amount added, often in cooking.

modicum

Denotes a small, moderate, or limited amount.

scrap

Refers to a small piece left over, often of cloth or food.

mite

Indicates a very small amount, often used colloquially.

FAQs

How can I use "morsel" in a sentence?

"Morsel" can refer to a small piece of food, as in, "She ate a "small piece" of cake." It can also refer to a small amount of something, as in, "He offered a "tiny bit" of advice."

What's the difference between "morsel" and "crumb"?

While both refer to small pieces, "crumb" typically refers to small pieces of bread, cake, or other baked goods. "Morsel" is a more general term that can apply to any small piece or amount.

What are some alternatives to "morsel"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "small piece", "tiny bit", "fragment", or "crumb".

Is "morsel" appropriate for formal writing?

"Morsel" can be used in formal writing, especially when aiming for a refined or delicate tone. However, avoid overuse and consider more neutral terms like "portion" or "fragment" where appropriate.