taking small sips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking small sips" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing the action of drinking a beverage slowly or in small amounts. For example: "She was taking small sips of her tea to savor the flavor." Alternative expressions include "drinking slowly" and "sipping gently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

These days, they are taking small sips from that chalice.

The Guardian

After taking small sips of the liquids to refresh their taste buds and olfactory nerves, they discreetly spit the contents into foam cups.

The New York Times

With his patronizing tone and his floppy brown hair, he was just the sort of person she used to listen to at parties, trying to think of intelligent, psychologically driven questions to ask while taking small sips from a cup of lukewarm beer.

The New Yorker

He spoke slowly and in a low voice, while taking small sips of mundo.

Vice

If you're feeling nauseous, try taking small sips as often as you can.

WikiHow

Breathing deeply while taking small sips of water will relieve the pain.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Most recently, a study published in PloS One found that the simple act of taking smaller sips (and, they extrapolated, perhaps smaller bites) could reduce overall consumption by as much as 30percentt.

HuffPost

I take small sips, and the bartender eyes me.

The New York Times

Save the hot water in which you've cooked the rice and take small sips.

The Guardian

Before this, I had been permitted to take small sips of champagne from my father's flute.

The New Yorker

Once in the cabin, he removed his hat and jacket, loosened his collar, and, as the plane started to climb, took small sips of whiskey from a bottle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking small sips" to describe a deliberate and unhurried way of drinking, often to savor the flavor or to avoid discomfort (e.g., when something is too hot or strong).

Common error

While "taking small sips" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing where more concise or sophisticated phrasing might be more appropriate. Consider using "sipping" or "drinking moderately" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking small sips" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe a specific action. It indicates the manner in which someone is drinking, emphasizing the slowness or deliberateness of the action. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase appears in diverse contexts from general advice to literary descriptions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

44%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking small sips" is a grammatically correct and common gerund phrase used to describe the action of drinking slowly and deliberately. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts. While it is considered acceptable in a variety of settings, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain writing situations. Best practices include using the phrase to emphasize the manner of drinking, while overuse in overly formal settings should be avoided. Related phrases include "sipping slowly" and "drinking in moderation". Ludwig confirms the phrase's versatility and appropriateness for describing a measured approach to consuming liquids.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sipping slowly

Focuses on the pace of drinking, emphasizing the gradual consumption.

drinking in moderation

Highlights the restraint and control in the quantity consumed.

taking dainty sips

Emphasizes the delicacy and refinement of the drinking action.

nursing a drink

Suggests a prolonged and gentle engagement with the beverage, often for relaxation or contemplation.

taking measured sips

Highlights the controlled and deliberate nature of the drinking.

drinking gingerly

Implies caution or care in the manner of drinking, perhaps due to temperature or potency.

taking tentative sips

Suggests uncertainty or hesitation in the act of drinking, possibly due to unfamiliarity or apprehension.

sipping sparingly

Emphasizes the small quantity consumed, highlighting thriftiness or self-restraint.

drinking deliberately

Focuses on the intentional and thoughtful nature of the drinking.

taking delicate sips

Conveys a sense of gentleness and grace in the act of drinking.

FAQs

How can I use "taking small sips" in a sentence?

You can use "taking small sips" to describe the action of drinking something slowly and deliberately, like "She was "taking small sips" of her tea to avoid burning her tongue".

What are some alternatives to "taking small sips"?

Alternatives include "sipping slowly", "drinking in moderation", or "nursing a drink", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "taking small sips"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the manner in which someone is drinking – slowly, carefully, or deliberately. For example, when someone is "taking small sips" because the beverage is hot or strong.

Is "taking small sips" formal or informal?

"Taking small sips" is generally considered neutral to informal. In formal writing, you might opt for a more concise term like "sipping", but "taking small sips" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.