slice of butter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slice of butter" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to reference a single unit of butter, such as in the sentence: "I slathered a slice of butter on my toast."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Recipes

Food preparation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Fold in a thin slice of butter and season carefully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them with the thick slice of butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pour in about 150ml of hot milk and add a thick slice of butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An oven, a liberal hand with the salt and an ample slice of butter are all you truly need.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Put 250ml of double cream in a saucepan with a thick slice of butter and warm over a gentle heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Return the frying pan to a moderate heat, add a little slice of butter and heat until it is just beginning to froth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

3. Stir in the tarragon and spoon onto individual plates garnished with a slice of buttered and toasted French bread.

The New York Times

I longed for a thin slice of buttered malt loaf, the slightly tacky feel on my fingers, that smell of dried fruit and tea I once held so dear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A classic bara brith (or "speckled bread") from Mary Jones was the perfect reminder of just how good a slice of buttered fruit loaf can be on a cold morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I like mine plain and good, w/Tabasco and a slice of buttered french bread or toast.

Huffington Post

It's like I've fallen in love with a slice of buttered white toast and a glass of orange squash.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a recipe calls for a "slice of butter", consider clarifying the approximate weight or volume, especially if you're aiming for consistent results. A "slice of butter" can be subjective, so providing a more specific measurement can be helpful.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "slice of butter" without specifying the thickness or dimensions. Different cooks may interpret this measurement differently, leading to variations in the outcome of the dish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slice of butter" functions primarily as a noun phrase that quantifies a portion of butter. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. It is used to refer to a specific, though not precisely defined, amount of butter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

16%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slice of butter" is a commonly used noun phrase for describing a portion of butter, particularly in cooking contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not a precise measurement, it is widely understood in recipes and culinary instructions. For more accurate measurements, it's best to use specific units like tablespoons or grams. Be aware of the inconsistent sizing when using the term and consider clarifying the approximate amount for better precision. Related terms include "pat of butter" and "knob of butter", which also describe small quantities of butter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pat of butter

Refers to a small, pre-cut portion of butter, often individually wrapped.

knob of butter

Implies a small, somewhat irregular amount of butter.

tablespoon of butter

Specifies a precise measurement of butter using a tablespoon.

portion of butter

A general term for an unspecified amount of butter.

piece of butter

Similar to portion, but suggests a more solid, less defined shape.

dab of butter

Indicates a very small amount of butter.

lump of butter

Similar to knob but can indicate a less refined or less measured amount.

dollop of butter

Refers to a soft, rounded mass of butter.

chunk of butter

A somewhat large, irregular piece of butter.

serving of butter

Suggests an amount intended for a single serving or use.

FAQs

How much butter is a "slice of butter"?

The amount of butter in a "slice of butter" can vary, but it generally refers to a portion cut from a stick of butter. A common estimate is about 1 to 2 tablespoons, or approximately 1/2 to 1 ounce.

What's a good substitute for a "slice of butter" in a recipe?

Depending on the recipe's purpose, you could substitute with margarine, vegetable oil, or ghee. The best substitute will depend on the desired flavor and texture. For example, "tablespoon of olive oil" can be used for greasing a pan.

Is "slice of butter" a precise measurement?

No, "slice of butter" is not a precise measurement. For accurate baking or cooking, it's better to use specific measurements like tablespoons, grams, or ounces.

When is it appropriate to use the term "slice of butter"?

It's appropriate to use the term "slice of butter" in informal recipes or when providing general cooking instructions where precision isn't critical. It also works well for simple tasks like adding butter to toast or a pan.