with a dash of

USAGE SUMMARY

"with a dash of" is an acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
It is usually used as a way to describe the addition of a small amount of a particular ingredient or item to a recipe or situation. Example sentence: I added a dash of nutmeg to complete the flavor of the soup.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a dash of reality television.

The New York Times - Food

Verdict: Strindberg with a dash of optimism.

The New York Times

Functional and flexible, with a dash of glamour and fun.

The Times

They season it with a dash of Icarus myth.

The Guardian

Probably mainly Ikea with a dash of Habitat.

The Guardian

DEFINING QUALITY Aspirational anxiety with a dash of intraspecies condescension.

The New York Times - Arts

Finish with a dash of cream, if you like.

The Guardian - Travel

Typical British fudge, with a dash of paternalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Trapeze costumes, with a dash of streetwalker thrown in?

The New York Times

With a dash of 1988 thrown in for good measure.

The New York Times - Food

Very Beach Boys, with a dash of Laird Hamilton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a dash of" to add nuance or flavor to your descriptions, making them more engaging and vivid.

Common error

Avoid using "with a dash of" excessively in formal or academic writing, where more precise or technical language may be preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a dash of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It indicates the presence of a small, often subtle, amount of something, adding flavor or character. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a dash of" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate the presence of a small amount of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts. While it may not be suitable for all formal situations, its ability to add nuance to descriptions makes it a valuable tool in many writing scenarios. Remember to avoid overuse and consider context when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a hint of

Replaces "dash" with "hint", suggesting a subtle addition.

with a touch of

Uses "touch" instead of "dash", implying a delicate amount.

with a splash of

Substitutes "dash" with "splash", often used for liquids but applicable more broadly.

with a sprinkle of

Replaces "dash" with "sprinkle", suggesting a scattered addition.

with a smattering of

Uses "smattering" to indicate a small, uneven distribution.

containing a trace of

Emphasizes the minimal presence of something.

featuring a tinge of

Highlights a slight coloration or influence.

incorporating a soupçon of

Uses the French word "soupçon" for a very small quantity.

mixed with a modicum of

Implies a small but sufficient amount.

punctuated by a glimmer of

Suggests a brief or fleeting presence.

FAQs

How can I use "with a dash of" in a sentence?

The phrase "with a dash of" is used to indicate that something is added in a small quantity. For example, "The movie was funny, "with a dash of" suspense."

What are some alternatives to "with a dash of"?

You can use alternatives like "with a hint of", "with a touch of", or "with a splash of" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "with a dash of" in formal writing?

While "with a dash of" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise language to describe the addition or element you're referring to.

What does "with a dash of" typically modify?

"With a dash of" typically modifies a noun, adding a descriptive element. For example, "The dish had a familiar taste "with a dash of" citrus."