touch of sugar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch of sugar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of sweetness added to something, often in a figurative sense to imply a gentle or subtle enhancement. Example: "The recipe calls for a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food & Beverage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Add the lightest touch of sugar (the whiskey has enough sweetness).

The New York Times - Food

For example, a touch of sugar goes into almost every savory Chinese dish".

The New York Times - Arts

The first was littered with pearly white corn kernels, adding a touch of sugar as welcome as a big smile.

The New York Times

Even though the dish was savory, the rhubarb needed that touch of sugar to offset its powerful astringency.

The New York Times - Food

Put a dead chill on it and whip it lightly with a touch of sugar and a thimble of vanilla.

The New York Times - Food

The fried chicken is more grown-up, the crispy skin the color of mahogany thanks to a touch of sugar in the batter.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Beware of added sugars.

WikiHow

The ketchup here at the Stetson is made in-house with freshly diced tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, a touch of paprika, and it's disgusting.

The New Yorker

"When we were getting ready to open, I wasn't baking it, and he'd say, 'Where's my monkey bread?' " Made with a touch of brown sugar and fragrant with yeast, the puzzlelike bread — fun to say and fun to eat — will undoubtedly stir the same emotions in other neighborhood children.

The New York Times

I remember when I was a young chef at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, we used simple dressings such as sherry vinegar and walnut oil with a touch of seasoning and a pinch of sugar.

Independent

This is done by half-drying the fruit, then adding a touch of cane sugar.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "touch of sugar" in recipes, be specific about the type of sugar (e.g., brown sugar, powdered sugar) if it significantly impacts the flavor profile.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of sugar" in overly formal or technical writing where precise measurements or descriptions are required. Opt for more specific and quantifiable terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of sugar" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as an object of a preposition (e.g., "add a touch of sugar"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Food & Beverage

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch of sugar" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small addition of sweetness, as verified by Ludwig AI. It finds frequent use in culinary contexts and is also employed metaphorically to denote a subtle improvement or softening effect. While generally neutral in tone, it is best suited for informal to semi-formal writing, with more precise language preferred in academic or highly technical contexts. As exemplified by Ludwig, the phrase adds a nuanced layer of meaning to both literal and figurative descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of sweetness

Focuses on the sensory experience of sweetness rather than the physical addition of sugar.

dash of sweetness

Emphasizes the swiftness and small quantity of the sweet element added.

smidgen of sugar

Uses a more informal term to indicate a very small amount of sugar.

trace of sugar

Highlights the minimal and almost imperceptible amount of sugar present.

speck of sugar

Suggests an even smaller quantity, focusing on individual granules.

modicum of sweetness

Employs a more formal term to denote a limited quantity of sweetness.

whisper of sugar

Emphasizes the subtlety and faintness of the sugar's presence.

small amount of sugar

Uses a more literal and descriptive approach to express the quantity.

light sweetness

Focuses on the intensity of the sweetness rather than the physical amount of sugar.

delicate sweetness

Similar to 'light sweetness' but emphasizes the refined nature of the sweetness.

FAQs

How can I use "touch of sugar" in a sentence?

You can use "touch of sugar" to describe adding a small amount of sweetness to balance flavors in cooking or to add a subtle positive quality to something, such as "The sauce needed a "touch of sugar" to cut through the acidity" or "Her kindness added a "touch of sugar" to the otherwise difficult meeting".

What are some alternatives to "touch of sugar"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hint of sweetness", "dash of sweetness", or "smidgen of sugar". These options provide a similar meaning while varying in formality and emphasis.

Is "touch of sugar" too informal for academic writing?

While "touch of sugar" is generally acceptable, it might be considered too informal for strict academic writing. In such contexts, it's better to use more precise and descriptive language, such as "a small quantity of sucrose" or "a slight addition of sweetness".

Can "touch of sugar" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "touch of sugar" can be used metaphorically to describe adding a subtle positive quality to something, such as kindness or charm. For example, "His humor added a "touch of sugar" to the otherwise serious discussion".