trace of salt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of salt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of salt that is detectable or present in something, often in a culinary or sensory context. Example: "After tasting the dish, I noticed a subtle trace of salt that enhanced the overall flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Saline lakes and inland seas would add a trace of salt water, or 0.008 percent of the global total.

The New York Times - Science

Her third novel, "People of the Book," is a tour de force that dramatizes turning points in the history of an illuminated parchment manuscript as they are manifested in tiny bits of evidence — a trace of salt, a wine stain.

The New York Times - Books

And underneath, in tiny print, the real info (though you need a calculator to get to the truth): the lemon- and lime-flavoured drink contains a trace of salt, no fat, no fibre and 34.98g of sugar – eight teaspoons – and 135 calories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Traces of salt atop the shaker may attract visible water.

The New York Times - Science

2. Rinse fish until no traces of salt remain.

The New York Times - Food

Seashore sand needs to be thoroughly washed to remove all traces of salt.

The New York Times - Arts

Later, Ladd dabs at the traces of salt, desperately licking her fingers.

Independent

He would come home with his arms locked in spasm, traces of salt rivulets down his cheeks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The clues from the lakes appear to mesh with evidence of other periods of stormy weather around the North Atlantic, including variations in traces of salt from sea spray locked in layers of Greenland glaciers, the authors said.

The New York Times

Cells were washed with PBS−, rinsed with deionized water to remove traces of salt, and mounted with ProLong Gold antifade reagent (Invitrogen).

Plosone

Groundwater resources are limited as not much water is stored at the feet of the hills and the water available is often hard and contains traces of salt.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flavors, use "trace of salt" to indicate a subtle enhancement rather than an overpowering taste. This suggests balance and refinement in the dish.

Common error

Avoid using "trace of salt" metaphorically in situations where a more direct term like 'small amount' or 'hint' would be clearer and more appropriate. It's best reserved for describing tangible, sensory experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of salt" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a direct object or a modifier, describing the extent to which salt is present in a substance or mixture. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a small, often barely perceptible amount.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Food

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trace of salt" is a grammatically sound noun phrase indicating a subtle or minimal amount of salt. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral register. To convey similar meanings, alternatives like "hint of salt" or "touch of salt" can be employed. Remember that "trace of salt" is most effective when describing sensory experiences or the composition of a substance, rather than in abstract or metaphorical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of salt

Indicates a slight suggestion or indication of salt, implying a sensory detection.

touch of salt

Emphasizes a minimal amount of salt, often added deliberately to enhance flavor.

dash of salt

Implies a quick and small addition of salt, typically in cooking.

smidgen of salt

Suggests an extremely small quantity of salt, almost negligible.

speck of salt

Highlights the minute size of the salt amount, like a tiny particle.

grain of salt

Refers to a single, small crystal of salt, used either literally or figuratively.

vestige of salt

Suggests a remnant or remaining sign of salt from a previous state.

tinge of saltiness

Highlights the slightly salty taste or character.

whisper of salt

Implies an almost undetectable amount of salt, imparting a subtle flavor.

modicum of salt

Suggests a small but sufficient quantity of salt for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The chef added a "trace of salt" to the caramel to balance the sweetness" or "The analysis revealed only a "trace of salt" in the water sample".

What's a good alternative to "trace of salt"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hint of salt", "touch of salt", or "dash of salt".

Is it correct to say "traces of salt" instead of "trace of salt"?

Yes, "traces of salt" is also correct. "Trace of salt" typically refers to a singular, subtle presence, while "traces of salt" implies multiple small quantities or occurrences.

What does "grain of salt" mean, and how is it different from "trace of salt"?

"Grain of salt" is an idiom meaning to view something with skepticism, whereas "trace of salt" refers to a small, often subtle, amount of salt. They are used in completely different contexts.