take a nibble of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a nibble of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of tasting or sampling a small amount of food. Example: "During the picnic, I decided to take a nibble of the delicious cheese platter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I take a nibble of the flaky, pale flesh and admit that I've been a vegetarian since age 6.

The Washington Post

It will take a nibble out of drug company profits, but it might also nudge them towards research into truly innovative, breakthrough drugs.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But you can still take a nibble".

The New York Times

Maybe even my dad would take a nibble.

Independent

Occasionally, a video becomes part of Internet nostalgia, like "Charlie Bit My Finger," a home video in which an infant boy takes a nibble on his older brother's finger, which continues to attract millions of views a year.

Los Angeles Times

The moment he is awake, he gets on the phone and proceeds to make something — anything — happen, mostly by trolling a series of celebrity names until whatever editor he is speaking to takes a nibble at the bait.

The New Yorker

The moment he is awake, he gets on the phone and proceeds to make something anything happen, mostly by trolling a series of celebrity names until whatever editor he is speaking to takes a nibble at the bait.

The New Yorker

Senate Republicans are more than willing to take a bite, especially after Democrats took a nibble during the Obama administration.

HuffPost

I take just a nibble of it – literally a 12th of a tablet – as it makes one feel very fuzzy in the morning.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She took a nibble.

The New York Times

Cohen took a nibble and collapsed forward, her head on her forearms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a nibble of something" when you want to describe a small, tentative, or exploratory taste of food or, metaphorically, a small engagement with an idea or opportunity.

Common error

While "take a nibble of something" is acceptable, avoid excessive use in formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "sample", "taste", or "try" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of consuming a very small amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. It often implies a tentative or exploratory tasting.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a nibble of something" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe the act of consuming a very small amount of something, often in a tentative or exploratory way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it can be used across various contexts to depict the action of tasting or engaging with something in a minimal way. Synonyms include ""have a taste of something"" or "sample a bit of something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Have a taste of something

Focuses on the act of tasting, implying a small sample.

Sample a bit of something

Highlights the act of sampling, indicating a small portion.

Try a morsel of something

Emphasizes the small size of the portion being tried.

Have a small bite of something

Replaces "nibble" with "bite", maintaining the small portion.

Take a tiny taste of something

Uses "tiny taste" to reinforce the small quantity.

Partake in a smidgen of something

Uses "smidgen" to emphasize a very small amount.

Indulge in a sliver of something

Emphasizes the thinness or smallness of the portion.

Take a wee bit of something

Uses "wee bit" to denote a small quantity, adding an informal tone.

Snack on a touch of something

Shifts the focus to snacking, suggesting a light and casual consumption.

Have a speck of something

Highlights the minute size of what's being consumed.

FAQs

How can I use "take a nibble of something" in a sentence?

You can use "take a nibble of something" to describe eating a small amount of food. For example, "I decided to "have a taste of something" from the cheese platter."

What is a synonym for "take a nibble of something"?

Synonyms include "sample a bit of something", "try a morsel of something", or "have a small bite of something", all suggesting a small taste.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "take a nibble of something"?

While grammatically correct, "take a nibble of something" might sound too informal for formal contexts. Consider using a more precise or formal term like "sample" or "taste" instead.

What's the difference between "take a nibble of something" and "take a bite of something"?

"Take a nibble of something" suggests an even smaller and more tentative taste than "take a bite of something". A nibble implies a very small, almost exploratory taste.