on a plate

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a plate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that has been placed on a plate or dish. For example: "He served the cake on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream on top."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Place one paper towel on a plate.

WikiHow

Privilege on a plate.

The Guardian

Spain on a plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's on a plate.

The Guardian - Music

Arrange the slices on a plate.

Independent

Set the rabbit aside on a plate.

The New York Times

Place the pieces on a plate.

Independent

Related article: Copenhagen on a plate.

BBC

Related article: Guadalajara on a plate.

BBC

Reserve on a plate.

Huffington Post

Serve on a plate.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing culinary presentations, use "on a plate" to convey a sense of readiness and visual appeal. For example, "The chef presented the appetizer on a plate with artistic flair."

Common error

Avoid overusing "on a plate" in non-literal contexts where simpler terms like "available" or "presented" would be clearer. Overextending the metaphor can dilute the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a plate" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the location or manner of presentation of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples showing both literal and figurative usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a plate" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the physical placement of something, particularly food, as noted by Ludwig AI. It also carries a figurative meaning, indicating something readily available. Its usage spans from informal cooking instructions found in WikiHow to neutral reports in News & Media, but is less common in formal business contexts. When seeking alternative expressions, consider options like "served on a platter" or "presented on a dish" for varied nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

served on a platter

Focuses on the act of serving food, emphasizing presentation more than just placement.

presented on a dish

Highlights the manner of presentation, often suggesting care and attention to detail.

arranged on a serving dish

Emphasizes the careful arrangement of items, usually food, for aesthetic appeal.

displayed on a surface

Broader term indicating something is shown on a flat area, not necessarily food-related.

laid out on a trencher

An archaic alternative, suggesting food served on a flat piece of bread used as a plate.

ready for consumption

Shifts the focus to the availability of something to be eaten, not necessarily the presentation.

easily accessible

Indicates something is readily available or obtainable, losing the specific imagery.

handed to someone

Emphasizes the act of giving, not the presentation or location of the object.

prepared and served

Highlights both the preparation and delivery, diverging from the static placement on a plate.

available at one's convenience

Focuses on the ease of access and timing, removing any reference to physical placement.

FAQs

How can I use "on a plate" in a sentence?

You can use "on a plate" to describe food presentation, such as "The sushi was beautifully arranged "on a plate"". It can also be used figuratively to mean something is easily available.

What does "on a plate" mean figuratively?

Figuratively, "on a plate" means something is presented or offered to someone easily, without requiring much effort. It suggests convenience and accessibility.

What are some synonyms for "on a plate" when describing food presentation?

Alternatives include "served on a platter", "presented on a dish", or "arranged on a serving dish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "onto a plate" instead of "on a plate"?

Yes, "onto a plate" is correct and indicates the action of placing something on a plate. "On a plate" describes the state of something already being on a plate.