pasta

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pasta" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the Italian dish that is made of flour, water, and various other ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, or cheese. For example, "I'm making a delicious pasta dish for dinner tonight!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But if you don't have access to a microwave at work, then making pasta meant to taste best at room temperature is a lunchtime no-brainer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As well as less virtuous choices of beautifully made beef burgers, a pasta of the day, and a cake display full of yummy treats.

The Guardian - Travel

Make a simple pasta with the cheaper trimmings of Scottish smoked salmon available in supermarkets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The happy hour aperitivo runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and although drinks seem expensive at €4, you have to see the mega buffet that is served at the same time - huge plates of smoked ham, salami, salads and either a steaming risotto or pasta.

The Guardian - Travel

Only open for lunch, their brilliant "cucina casalinga" set menu attracts workmen and tourists alike, with an all-in price of €12 for a pasta and hearty second course, wine and coffee, no cover charge.

The Guardian - Travel

Fabio Ciampolillo has now withdrawn his application to the city council in Durham, where his outlet La Spahettata sometimes has the air of a nightclub with added pasta and cheese.

The Guardian

Despite its slightly naff name it was heaving with trendy locals, and no wonder as the food turned out to be fantastic: wonderful fried artichokes, seafood pasta and delicious pizza.

The Guardian - Travel

Think fine wines, curries, fresh seafood, homemade pasta.

The Guardian - Travel

Beautifully landscaped and designed by the team responsible for at least one Giorgio Armani villa in Italy, the Carib-Italian fusion food is excellent if also priced for the Armani wallet - £15 for a bowl of (delicious) pasta and a tenner for a coffee and pancake breakfast.

The Guardian - Travel

You want pasta that you can easily impale or scoop with a fork, so spaghetti is out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We ate whatever we could buy, whatever we could cook in two saucepans on an open fire (pasta, stews, curries, rice), bought eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables by the roadside, and stocked up on dry goods in the towns and cities.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pasta dish, specify the type of pasta used for more clarity and to enhance the reader's understanding of the texture and flavor profile.

Common error

Avoid using "pasta" as a singular, uncountable noun when referring to different shapes. Instead of saying 'I like this pasta', specify 'I like this type of pasta' or 'I like these pasta shapes'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pasta" is as a noun. It refers to a type of food made from dough, often served with sauce. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English and functions as a noun to name the dish.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

25%

Travel

25%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pasta" is a common noun referring to a dish made from wheat and water, often associated with Italian cuisine. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and travel, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing about "pasta", be specific about the type to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralizations. Its frequent appearance and widespread understanding make it a versatile term in the culinary lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spaghetti

Refers to a specific type of pasta, namely long, thin noodles.

linguine

Similar to spaghetti, but slightly flattened.

fettuccine

Refers to flat, thick noodles, typically served with creamy sauces.

macaroni

Another specific type of pasta, characterized by its short, curved shape.

penne

Tube-shaped pasta with angled ends.

tortellini

Ring-shaped pasta, often filled with meat or cheese.

ravioli

Pasta pockets filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

noodles

A broader term encompassing various types of pasta and other similar dishes from different cuisines.

alimentary paste

A formal term for pasta, referring to dough made from wheat and water.

cooked noodles

Describes pasta after it has been prepared for consumption.

FAQs

How to use "pasta" in a sentence?

You can use "pasta" to refer to the dish itself, as in "I'm making "pasta tonight"", or to a specific type, as in "Do you prefer "whole wheat pasta"?".

What are some different types of pasta?

There are many types of pasta including "spaghetti", "penne", "fettuccine", and "ravioli", each with unique shapes and uses.

Which is correct, "a pasta" or "some pasta"?

While "pasta" is generally uncountable, you can say "a serving of pasta" or "some pasta". "A pasta" is less common but can be used when referring to a specific type of pasta, though it's often better to specify the type instead.

What's the difference between "pasta" and "noodles"?

"Pasta" typically refers to Italian wheat-based noodles, while "noodles" is a broader term encompassing various types of elongated dough from different cuisines, including Asian noodles made from rice or other flours.