small amount of butter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small amount of butter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of butter that is not large, often in cooking or baking contexts. Example: "For this recipe, you will need a small amount of butter to enhance the flavor of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It blends with the small amount of butter and honey here, and you can use it as a sauce.

The New York Times - Health

There's confit potato, and broccoli roasted with sesame seeds and, hiding at the bottom, a small amount of butter with a little miso.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

More delicate cooking often calls for meats and vegetables to be sautéed, that is, lightly browned in a small amount of butter, light shortening, or oil.

Britannica

Okra has an almost slimy quality, referred to as ropiness, but it can be easily cooked out, by sauteing it in a small amount of butter or oil, over a low flame, and stirring constantly until the okra is dry.

The New York Times - Food

Fortunately, its flavor and spirit are captured in a leaner, more contemporary sauce that has its roots in the often bland but usually homey cooking of Eastern Europe, a sauce made with hard-cooked eggs, a relatively small amount of butter and some stock.

The New York Times - Food

And can you make it with a very small amount of butter?'".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Online, shoppers shared pictures of empty shelves, and jokers ran fake advertisements offering small amounts of butter for ludicrous prices.

The New York Times

The remedy, then, is substituting small amounts of butter or oil for cooking spray, then using a small pastry brush to spread it evenly over your cooking surface.

HuffPost

Add small amounts of butter and salt to taste.

WikiHow

Firstly, using your thumb, push a small amount of snail butter (about half a teaspoon) into the bottom of a snail shell, then insert a snail, with its curved and pointed end uppermost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Linda S. Gossett, an extension professor at the University of Idaho's Expanded Food & Nutrition Program, says to spread a tablespoon to a half-cup of nuts in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of softened butter, margarine or oil (corn, olive or grapeseed work well) -- about 1/2 teaspoon per 1/2 cup of nuts, and proportionally less for smaller amounts.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small amount of butter" in recipes, be precise about the quantity if necessary for the recipe's success. For instance, instead of "a small amount", specify "1 tablespoon of butter".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the health implications of using a "small amount of butter". While it might be less than a larger quantity, it doesn't automatically make a dish healthy. Be honest about the nutritional content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount of butter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "small" acts as a determiner and "butter" is the noun. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's used to specify a particular, limited quantity of butter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

25%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small amount of butter" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a limited quantity of butter. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. While perfectly acceptable, related alternatives include "a dab of butter" and "a pat of butter". The phrase is most frequently found in news media, wikis, and scientific publications, with a neutral level of formality. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating any associated health benefits. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and accurately use "small amount of butter" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dab of butter

Uses a more informal term for a tiny quantity.

a pat of butter

Indicates a pre-portioned, small serving of butter.

a touch of butter

Emphasizes the butter's subtle presence in a recipe.

a smidgen of butter

Implies an extremely small, almost negligible quantity.

a bit of butter

A general term for a small, unspecified quantity.

a little butter

Similar to 'a bit', but can sometimes imply slightly more.

butter sparingly

Focuses on the action of using butter in a limited way.

lightly buttered

Describes something that has been coated with a minimal amount of butter.

a conservative amount of butter

Highlights the careful and restrained use of butter.

minimal butter

Directly states that the butter usage is reduced to a minimum.

FAQs

How can I use "small amount of butter" in a sentence?

You can use "small amount of butter" to describe cooking processes, such as, "Sauté the vegetables in a "small amount of butter" until tender."

What can I say instead of "small amount of butter"?

You can use alternatives like "dab of butter", "pat of butter", or "touch of butter" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "small amount of butter"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, where "small" modifies "amount", and "of butter" specifies what the amount refers to.

Which is correct: "small amount of butter" or "little amount of butter"?

"Small amount of butter" is more common and natural-sounding. While "little amount of butter" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used.