trace of sweetness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trace of sweetness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or faint hint of sweetness in a flavor, scent, or experience. Example: "The dessert had a trace of sweetness that perfectly balanced the bitterness of the dark chocolate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Dulce is slightly sweet with very little heat; agridulce has only a trace of sweetness (but a good belt of heat); and picante is quite hot with just a trace of bitterness.

The New York Times

It had only the barest trace of sweetness.

The New York Times

The effect was softly penetrating and eerie, with not a trace of sweetness.

The New York Times - Arts

Delicate French watercress that is stunningly sharp yet has a trace of sweetness, $12 a pound, will be available all summer at D'Attolico's Organic Farm on Saturdays in the Grand Army Plaza and Greenpoint markets in Brooklyn.

The New York Times - Food

What makes Ms. Ingrao's chocolate extraordinary is that it has only a trace of sweetness, just enough to dull the bitter edge of cocoa and to enhance the intense chocolate flavor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Germans themselves, as has been true for several decades now, overwhelmingly prefer dry wines without any trace of residual sweetness.

The New York Times - Food

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

Applewood bacon imparts a hint of sweetness.

The New York Times - Style

Most salads are dressed with a touch of sweetness.

The New York Times

Hard-drinking, hard-gambling, simmeringly violent, he was determined to bludgeon any trace of softness or sweetness out of his son.

The Guardian

Since palates vary considerably, some customers may not detect the smidgen of sweetness, which can be traced to a small infusion of gewürztraminer wine injected before bottling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flavors, use "trace of sweetness" to convey a subtle and balanced taste experience, avoiding overly sugary descriptions. For example: "The sauce had a delicious trace of sweetness that complemented the spicy peppers."

Common error

Avoid using "trace of sweetness" when the sweetness is prominent. This phrase is best reserved for subtle hints, not dominant flavors. Overusing it diminishes its impact and misrepresents the taste.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trace of sweetness" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adjective modifying another noun, describing a subtle flavor characteristic. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trace of sweetness" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively describes a subtle sweet flavor. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is found in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writings. It's most suitable for conveying a delicate, almost imperceptible sweetness, and care should be taken to avoid overstating the sweetness when using this phrase. Alternatives like ""hint of sweetness"" or ""touch of sweetness"" can offer similar nuances, depending on the specific context. Overall, understanding the subtle implications and appropriate usage of "trace of sweetness" can enhance precision in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of sweetness

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

touch of sweetness

Substitutes "trace" with "touch", implying a delicate and gentle sweetness.

note of sweetness

Uses "note" instead of "trace", likening the sweetness to a subtle element in a complex flavor profile.

whisper of sweetness

Replaces "trace" with "whisper", emphasizing the subtlety and faintness of the sweetness.

dash of sweetness

Substitutes "trace" with "dash", suggesting a very small amount of sweetness added.

smidgen of sweetness

Replaces "trace" with "smidgen", indicating a tiny and almost imperceptible amount of sweetness.

element of sweetness

Uses "element" instead of "trace", framing sweetness as a component within something else.

degree of sweetness

Replaces "trace" with "degree", focusing on the intensity or level of sweetness.

undertone of sweetness

Uses "undertone" instead of "trace", suggesting a background or underlying sweetness.

vestige of sweetness

Substitutes "trace" with "vestige", indicating a remaining or disappearing sweetness.

FAQs

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

You can use "trace of sweetness" to describe a subtle sweet flavor in food or drink. For example, "The wine had a "trace of sweetness" that made it very palatable."

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

Alternatives to "trace of sweetness" include "hint of sweetness", "touch of sweetness", or "slight sweetness", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "trace of sweetness" to describe something other than taste?

While primarily used for taste, "trace of sweetness" can metaphorically describe a subtle positive quality in an experience or emotion. However, it is more common and clearer to use it for flavors.

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

"Trace of sweetness" suggests a very subtle, almost imperceptible sweetness, while ""hint of sweetness"" indicates a slightly more noticeable, but still delicate, sweetness.