trace of chilli

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of chilli" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount or hint of chili flavor or spice in food or a dish. Example: "The soup had a delightful trace of chilli that added just the right amount of heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm expecting a hint of chilli or yuzu, perhaps.

The Guardian

The sauce is based on a light sweet and sour, pepped up with a deep chilli spiciness and a trace of Sichuan pepper which will make your lips tingle pleasantly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a lot of chilli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Well, these ones taste of chilli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A little bit of chilli," he explains.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The method was successfully applied for online analysis of chilli powder and sausage samples.

Journal of Chromatography A

As well as the usual potato base found in standard vodka, this one contains chilli – quite a lot of chilli, in fact.

Independent

Season with salt and a pinch of chilli flakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A solar tunnel drier is optimised for drying of chilli in Bangladesh.

Renewable Energy

LUNCH is a ladle of chilli with rice, cornbread, salad and a slab of chocolate cake.

The Economist

Chilli Dave, although retired from super-hot chilli eating ("Your body tells you"), has four potent capsules of chilli powder on his keyring "for emergency back-up".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the flavor profile of a dish, use "trace of chilli" to denote a subtle, barely noticeable presence of chilli, rather than an overwhelming spiciness. This can help create a more nuanced and appealing description.

Common error

Avoid using "trace of chilli" when the chilli flavor is actually quite prominent. This can mislead readers or listeners and create a mismatch between expectation and reality. Instead, opt for stronger descriptors like "hint", "dash", or "a distinct chilli flavour".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of chilli" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes the presence of a subtle amount of chilli, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace of chilli" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the minimal presence of chilli flavor. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While "trace of chilli" is correct, alternatives like "hint of chilli" or "touch of chilli" may be more common. It's most appropriate for food descriptions, but be sure the chilli is actually subtle, and the context does not require a stronger adjective. Although seen in diverse sources, its relative infrequency makes it a less common choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of chilli

Replaces "trace" with "hint", suggesting a slightly more noticeable but still subtle presence.

touch of chilli

Substitutes "trace" with "touch", implying a delicate and minimal amount of chilli.

dash of chilli

Uses "dash" instead of "trace", indicating a quick and small addition of chilli.

smidgen of chilli

Replaces "trace" with "smidgen", conveying a very tiny and almost imperceptible amount of chilli.

whisper of chilli

Employs "whisper" to suggest a barely detectable presence of chilli flavor.

fleeting taste of chilli

Specifies that the trace is related to taste and is temporary or brief.

undertone of chilli

Indicates that the chilli flavor is a subtle background note.

subtle presence of chilli

Replaces "trace" with a more explicit description of the chilli's presence.

delicate note of chilli

Uses "note" to describe a specific flavor element provided by the chilli.

residual chilli flavor

Suggests that the chilli flavor remains faintly after the main taste.

FAQs

How can I use "trace of chilli" in a sentence?

You can use "trace of chilli" to describe a subtle, barely perceptible chilli flavor. For example, "The sauce had a delightful "trace of chilli" that added a gentle warmth."

What's the difference between "trace of chilli" and "hint of chilli"?

"Trace of chilli" suggests an even more subtle presence than "hint of chilli". A trace is often barely detectable, while a hint is slightly more noticeable.

What can I say instead of "trace of chilli"?

Alternatives include "touch of chilli", "dash of chilli", or "whisper of chilli", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "trace of chilli" formal or informal?

"Trace of chilli" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing flavors in food or beverages. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall context.