A touch faster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A touch faster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a slight increase in speed or pace in various contexts, such as in conversation, writing, or instructions. Example: "If we could move a touch faster, we might finish the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They were even a touch faster than the all-court speedsters at Golden State, with more than 103 possessions a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Overall the euro area grew by 0.4%: the best performance in four years and a touch faster than euro-sceptical Britain.

The Economist

"7000 even machines a touch faster than 6000 series, but finishing and anodizing 7000 series is quite challenging.

TechCrunch

So PPI cash just might be the reason why the recovery here looks as though it was the fastest anywhere in the developed world during the last three months of 2013, a touch faster even than in re-energised America.

BBC

The U.S. economy grew a touch faster at the end of last year than first thought, but still notched only half of the third quarter's sizzling pace as consumer spending eased, the government said on Friday.

Forbes

The U.S. economy grew a touch faster in the first quarter than first thought as businesses scrambled to restock depleted shelves, the government said Thursday in a report that also showed a slowing recovery in corporate profits.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

These images are a shocking new thing to process in a world that seems to be figuring ways to communicate without actual presence, without intimacy or touch, faster than we can quite make sense of how they change our world.

The Washington Post

Advantages of this system include lighter touch, faster and more uniform typing, more legible and numerous carbon copies, and less operator fatigue.

Britannica

She is also a touch too fast jumping to dire conclusions.

The New York Times - Arts

One week, after editing an episode called "Lisa's First Word," we had a funny, touching, fast-paced "Simpsons"—but it was thirty seconds too short to air.

The New Yorker

Favorites make it simple to get in touch fast.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch faster" when you want to indicate a small or almost imperceptible increase in speed, pace, or performance. This phrase is suitable for comparing two similar entities or actions, where the difference is subtle but noticeable.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch faster" when the difference in speed is significant or substantial. This phrase is intended for minor variations, and using it for larger differences can sound misleading or understated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch faster" functions as a comparative modifier. It modifies a verb or noun to indicate a slight increase in speed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showing that it effectively communicates a subtle difference in pace.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch faster" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates a slight increase in speed or pace. According to Ludwig AI, this comparative modifier is suitable for various contexts, though it's essential to recognize that it should be employed when describing minor variations rather than substantial differences. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "slightly faster". While not overly common, its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its reliability and effectiveness in conveying nuanced comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly faster

Replaces "a touch" with "slightly", maintaining the meaning of a small degree of increase.

A bit faster

Substitutes "a touch" with "a bit", offering a more informal alternative.

Marginally faster

Uses "marginally" to convey a small or barely noticeable difference in speed.

A shade faster

Employs "a shade" to express a subtle degree of increased speed.

Somewhat faster

Replaces "a touch" with "somewhat", suggesting a moderate increase in speed.

Barely faster

Highlights that the increase in speed is minimal.

A hair faster

Uses "a hair" to indicate a very slight increase in pace.

Just a little faster

Adds "just a little" for emphasis, reinforcing the small difference in speed.

Minimally faster

Emphasizes the extremely small degree of increased speed.

Incredibly faster

Emphasizes the extremely small degree of increased speed, in a more exagerated way.

FAQs

What does "a touch faster" mean?

The phrase "a touch faster" means slightly faster. It implies that something is moving or operating at a pace that is just a little bit quicker than something else.

What are some alternatives to saying "a touch faster"?

You can use alternatives such as "slightly faster", "a bit faster", or "marginally faster" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a touch faster" in formal writing?

Yes, "a touch faster" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider using a more precise term like "marginally faster" or "slightly faster".

How can I use "a touch faster" in a sentence?

You can use "a touch faster" in a sentence like this: "The new processor makes the computer run "a touch faster" than the previous model."