pat of butter

USAGE SUMMARY

"part of butter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific portion or quantity of butter in a sentence. Example: "Add a generous part of butter to the frying pan before cooking the steak for added flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pat of butter weighs 10 grams.

The New York Times

3. Heat a griddle, adding a small pat of butter.

The New York Times - Food

Is there truly a pat of butter in my jar?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Crowning the tender meat were a generous pat of butter and minced black truffles.

The New York Times

Any smart pat of butter would spot him at 100 yards and flee.

The New York Times

Add a pat of butter to the skillet and swirl to coat.

The New York Times - Food

Take out a large pat of butter, spread it thickly on a slice, eat and enjoy.

The Guardian

This is boiled for hours, then churned repeatedly with salt and a pat of butter.

The New York Times - Food

I melted a pat of butter and added a dash of paprika to each portion.

The New York Times - Food

You add a pat of butter for flavor, and you put the fillet in the pan.

The New York Times

She had slipped on a pat of butter while trying to grab a balloon at the Stork Club.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pat of butter", ensure the context clearly implies a small, often pre-portioned amount, such as those found in restaurants or individual servings.

Common error

While "pat of butter" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise measurements like "tablespoon of butter" or "grams of butter" for increased clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pat of butter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "add a pat of butter") or as a descriptive element within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pat of butter" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small, often pre-portioned amount of butter. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its frequent use in News & Media, Wiki, and Academia. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, avoid overuse in formal or technical writing where more precise measurements are preferable. Consider alternatives like "small amount of butter" or "knob of butter" depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of the context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small amount of butter

Focuses on the quantity of butter being small.

knob of butter

Uses a different noun to describe a small portion of butter.

piece of butter

General term for a portion of butter.

dollop of butter

Implies a slightly larger, less defined portion.

dab of butter

Suggests a very small amount, lightly applied.

small serving of butter

Formal way to describe a measured portion of butter.

portion of butter

A more general term for a measured quantity.

bit of butter

Informal way to indicate a small quantity of butter.

butter portion

Reorders the words but maintains the core meaning.

thin slice of butter

Emphasizes the shape and small size of the butter.

FAQs

How can I use "pat of butter" in a sentence?

You can use "pat of butter" to describe a small, individual serving of butter. For example, "Add a "pat of butter" to the hot skillet before cooking the eggs."

What is the approximate size of a "pat of butter"?

A "pat of butter" generally refers to a small, pre-portioned serving of butter, often around a tablespoon or less. However, the exact size can vary.

What are some alternatives to saying "pat of butter"?

Alternatives include "small amount of butter", "knob of butter", or "dab of butter", depending on the context and the specific quantity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pat of butter" in formal writing?

While understandable, "pat of butter" might be considered too informal for highly technical or business writing. Consider using more precise measurements like "tablespoon of butter" or simply "butter" in those contexts.