a brilliant touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an element or detail that adds excellence or creativity to something, often in art, design, or writing. Example: "The artist's use of color in the painting was a brilliant touch that brought the entire piece to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It's a brilliant touch.

The New York Times - Books

The "black-eyed" bit is a brilliant touch, even if it's probably a mistranslation.

The New York Times

He has even been known to laugh out loud after a brilliant touch.

The New York Times - Sports

Or have chopped tuna tartar drizzled with scallion and cucumber dressing, a brilliant touch.

The New York Times

"A brilliant touch," said Cammy Nunan-MelandrinofBosquet of Kai-Nunan-Tompkins Entertainment (KNTE).

The New York Times - Magazine

Collaborating with the Venice ensemble — a superbly polished period-instrument group known for its fresh, zesty Vivaldi recordings — was also a brilliant touch.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Unfortunately, you really miss the scroll wheel (like the one on a mouse) that was on the original Vudu remote--a brilliant touch on a gadget whose interface consists primarily of lists.

The New York Times - Tech

That plan was repeated at the next available opportunity and despite a brilliant touch-finder from Dan Biggar, Dragons again splintered the drive.

BBC

A particularly brilliant touch was the just-folks video about Mr. Gore made by Spike Jonze, the gifted director of "Being John Malkovich".

The New York Times

Mr. Weber complies with them, but adds a perfectly apt, and brilliant, touch of his awn.

The New York Times

And there's a brilliant OLED touch screen.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a brilliant touch", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific element or detail is being praised. Be specific to amplify the compliment.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant touch" too frequently or in contexts where the element being described is not truly exceptional. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant touch" functions primarily as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a specific detail or element that is considered exceptionally clever, skillful, or creative, enhancing the overall quality of something. Examples in the Ludwig data illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant touch" is a noun phrase used to describe a particularly clever or effective detail, often in creative or skillful endeavors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests that it is frequently used to express admiration or approval. While primarily found in news and media contexts, as shown in Ludwig's analysis of various examples, the phrase maintains a generally neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, be sure to specify what the "brilliant touch" refers to, and avoid overuse to retain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clever addition

Focuses on the ingenuity and inventiveness of the element.

an inspired detail

Highlights the creativity and originality of the specific element.

a stroke of genius

Emphasizes the exceptional intelligence and insight behind the element.

a masterstroke

Implies exceptional skill and expertise in the execution of the element.

an ingenious move

Focuses on the cleverness and resourcefulness of the action or element.

a smart idea

Emphasizes the intelligence and practicality of the element.

a deft maneuver

Highlights the skill and precision involved in executing the element.

a subtle enhancement

Refers to a delicate and refined element that improves something.

an artful flourish

Suggests a decorative and skillful addition that enhances something.

a creative embellishment

Highlights the artistic and decorative nature of the addition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a brilliant touch" to describe a particularly clever or effective detail in a piece of work, such as "The director's use of lighting was "a brilliant touch" that enhanced the mood of the scene."

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant touch"?

Some alternatives include "a clever addition", "an inspired detail", or "a stroke of genius", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "a brilliant touch" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brilliant touch" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when providing commentary or critique. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

When is it best to use "a brilliant touch" over similar phrases?

Use "a brilliant touch" when you want to emphasize the ingenuity or cleverness of a particular element, rather than its simplicity or ease. For instance, it's more suitable than "a nice touch" when highlighting a particularly innovative solution.