parsley or Italian parsley

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used in recipes to mean either common parsley or the flat-leaf Italian type, whichever you have.

   Grammar: Appears as a noun phrase, often after 'chopped' or 'fresh': add chopped parsley or Italian parsley.

   Patterns

   • chopped parsley or Italian parsley
   • fresh parsley or Italian parsley
   • garnish with parsley or Italian parsley

   Stir in chopped parsley or Italian parsley just before serving.

   You can use parsley or Italian parsley for the garnish.

   The recipe says fresh parsley or Italian parsley, so either one is fine.

Common combinations

chopped parsley or Italian parsley

Top the soup with chopped parsley or Italian parsley.

fresh parsley or Italian parsley

Buy fresh parsley or Italian parsley from the market.

a sprig of parsley or Italian parsley

Add a sprig of parsley or Italian parsley to each plate.

Synonyms and how they differ

flat-leaf parsley

This specifically means Italian parsley, not the curly kind, so it is narrower than the phrase.

cilantro

Cilantro is a different herb with a distinct taste; it is not a substitute for parsley in most recipes.

Word family

parsley noun

The general name for the herb, including both curly and flat-leaf types.

Italian parsley noun

The flat-leaf variety with a stronger, more aromatic flavor.

Commonly confused: parsley or Italian parsley or celery? parsley or Italian parsley or coriander?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “parsley or Italian parsley”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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