sous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sous' is correct and usable in written English.
It is derived from the French language and is commonly used in the culinary world to refer to a sauce or a type of cooking liquid used to enhance the flavor of a dish. Example: The chef prepared a delicious steak with a red wine and mushroom sous, giving it a rich and savory taste.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Je suis what I say je suis, I beat up queers and stole from churches; burglary became a religious rite, elevating me to poet of the underworld even as I willingly debased myself in pissoirs Rene jerked himself off in a café full of whores to calm himself down, before stabbing the Gypsy boy through the heart for a few sous.

The Guardian - Books

Ten gin 50 grams fresh rhubarb The Tanqueray and rhubarb are cooked sous vide for one hour at 68C.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Don Julio tequila and the zest of the kaffir limes and leaves are cooked in the sous vide bag for 20 minutes at 52C.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ten and 50 grams of granny smith apple are cooked sous vide for 20 minutes at 52C.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I wouldn't go that far," says the Eurosceptic.The Channel tunnel or, as the French call it, le tunnel sous la Manche, was opened to customers in November 1994.

The Economist

I was working in the kitchen as head sous chef.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

CLICHY-SOUS-BOIS, where last year's riots started, is only 15km (9 miles) north-east of the tree-lined avenues of central Paris.

The Economist

AULNAY-SOUS-BOIS SOUNDS LIKE an idyllic rural spot, but in reality it consists mostly of ugly industrial estates clustered to the north of Paris, hard by Charles de Gaulle airport.

The Economist

OCTOBER 25th was the end of an era at Aulnay-sous-Bois.

The Economist

The suburban RER train goes only to Le Raincy; then it is a slow, winding uphill bus ride to Clichy-sous-Bois.

The Economist

Audiard is the son of noted screenwriter Michel Audiard, who is best known for his screenplays for crime films, particularly director Henri Verneuil's Mélodie en sous-sol (1963; Any Number Can Win) and Claude Miller's Garde à vue (1981).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sous" in a culinary context, ensure it is clear you are referring to a sauce or cooking method. If writing for a general audience, consider using the English equivalent "sauce" for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "sous" interchangeably with other cooking liquids like broths or stocks unless they specifically function as a sauce. Understanding the nuances of culinary terminology ensures accurate and effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sous" is as a noun, often referring to a type of sauce or cooking liquid, as seen in Ludwig's examples. It also functions as a preposition meaning "under" or "beneath" in French expressions. The Ludwig AI also confirms its correctness for use in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sous" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a sauce or cooking liquid. As verified by Ludwig, it's used correctly in English, especially in culinary contexts. While often encountered in News & Media and Encyclopedias, its formality can vary depending on use case. For general audiences, using the English equivalent "sauce" might be more accessible. Related phrases like "cooking liquid" or "gravy" offer alternatives, though with slightly different nuances. A "sous-chef", it is worth noting, is simply a "deputy" chef.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sauce

Replaces the French term with its English equivalent, referring to a flavorful liquid served with food.

cooking liquid

A more general term describing any liquid used during the cooking process to add flavor or moisture.

juices

Refers to the natural liquids released from food during cooking.

gravy

A richer, thicker sauce typically made from meat juices and a thickening agent.

broth

A savory liquid made by simmering meat, vegetables, or bones in water.

French coin

Referring to the historical monetary value of "sou", though in a different context.

beneath

Using "sous" to translate the French word for "under", as in "sous la mer".

under

Direct English translation for "sous" when used as a preposition.

deputy

Refers to a subordinate or assistant, stemming from the "sous-chef" context.

assistant

Another term for a helper or subordinate, relevant in professional settings like "sous-chef".

FAQs

How is "sous" used in a culinary context?

In cooking, "sous" typically refers to a sauce or a cooking method, like "sous vide", where food is cooked in a water bath to precise temperatures.

What does "sous" mean in French?

In French, "sous" translates to "under" or "below" when used as a preposition. It can also refer to a former French coin.

How is "sous-chef" different from a chef?

A "sous-chef" is the second-in-command in a kitchen, assisting the head chef and overseeing the kitchen's operations in their absence. It is similar to the role of a "deputy" or "assistant" in other professions.

What are some English alternatives to the term "sous" when referring to a sauce?

Depending on the context, you can use English alternatives such as "sauce", "gravy", or "cooking liquid". In a French context, it is best to stick with "sous", to avoid confusion.