small dusting of snow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small dusting of snow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a light or minimal amount of snow that has fallen, often creating a thin layer on surfaces. Example: "The morning revealed a small dusting of snow covering the rooftops and streets, creating a picturesque winter scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Winter is short and the occasional small dusting of snow paralyses the city.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

While we were still small, he stood on the far edge of a slough in late fall, after a light dusting of snow, and called me across the ice with a frantic wave and cry so that I bounded onto the thin crust, skidding with alarm, and went through.

The New Yorker

Both start with a dusting of snow.

The New Yorker

In rare instances a dusting of snow covers Buenos Aires itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ground is covered with a light dusting of snow.

Independent

With a gentle dusting of snow, perhaps even more so.

The New York Times - Travel

There wasn't even a dusting of snow.

The New York Times - Travel

(The chilly damp weather, with a light dusting of snow Thursday evening, didn't help).

The New York Times

Two weeks ago, there was a dusting of snow on top of the mountains.

The Guardian - Sport

She emerged with a dusting of snow on her black nose.

The New York Times - Sports

Winters are relatively short and mild, with the occasional dusting of snow on the summits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small dusting of snow" to vividly describe a scene where the snow is barely noticeable, adding a subtle winter touch.

Common error

Avoid using "small dusting of snow" when a significant amount of snow has fallen; it's meant for very light coverings. If the snow is deeper, use phrases like "several inches of snow" or "a blanket of snow."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small dusting of snow" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying an implied noun such as 'the ground' or 'the landscape'. It specifies the nature and extent of snow cover, similar to examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small dusting of snow" is a grammatically sound and descriptively vivid way to portray a minimal snow covering. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although relatively uncommon, it effectively communicates a delicate winter scene. Its primary function is descriptive, often used in news and media to depict weather conditions. While various alternatives exist, such as "light snow cover" or "thin layer of snow", the original phrase maintains a certain charm in its specificity. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for truly light coverings to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light snow cover

Replaces "dusting" with "cover", emphasizing the extent of the snow.

thin layer of snow

Focuses on the thinness of the snow accumulation.

slight snow flurry

Describes the event that causes the minimal accumulation rather than the accumulation itself.

scattered snow flurries

This emphasizes the sporadic nature of snowfall, suggesting a light and uneven distribution.

mere trace of snow

Highlights the insignificance of the snow amount.

sprinkling of snow

Uses "sprinkling" to suggest a light and scattered distribution.

delicate snow layer

Emphasizes the fineness of the snow cover.

a touch of snow

Uses a more abstract term to denote a small amount of snow.

fleeting snow shower

Captures the brief duration and light intensity of the snowfall.

powdering of snow

Compares the snow cover to a fine powder.

FAQs

How can I use "small dusting of snow" in a sentence?

You can use "small dusting of snow" to describe a light covering of snow on surfaces. For example, "The morning revealed a "small dusting of snow" covering the rooftops."

What is a more descriptive synonym for "small dusting of snow"?

Alternatives include "light snow cover", "thin layer of snow", or "mere trace of snow", which emphasize the minimal amount of snow.

Is it correct to say "small dusting of snows"?

No, "small dusting of snows" is not correct. "Snow" is typically used as an uncountable noun. The correct phrase is "small dusting of snow".

What's the difference between "small dusting of snow" and "heavy snowfall"?

"Small dusting of snow" refers to a very light covering of snow, barely enough to be noticeable. In contrast, "heavy snowfall" describes a significant accumulation of snow that can cause disruptions and create a thick blanket on the ground.