a common touch

USAGE SUMMARY

"a common touch" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It means having an approach or quality that is relatable and accessible to the general public. Example: The politician's speech resonated with the audience because of his use of simple language and a common touch, making him a popular candidate for the upcoming election.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I think I have a common touch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Gore takes his own stabs at a common touch.

The New York Times

With options like that, who needs a common touch?

The New York Times

Rendell is invariably described here as an uncommon man with a common touch.

The New York Times - Sports

Above all, it would be to develop a common touch and a better way of communicating.

The Guardian - Opinion

She had a pizzazz and a common touch they all lacked.

The Guardian - Books

A common touch can pack a punch.Jokowi promises to "move together to work, work and work".

The Economist

He was a dreamer with a common touch and enormous ambition.

The New York Times

The perceived lack of a "common touch" can be deadly for presidential candidates.

The New York Times

The fact is that Swann had a common touch that Pietersen could never emulate.

Independent

Why is he described in this article as "a conservative with a common touch"?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In descriptions of customer service representatives or community leaders, use "a common touch" to highlight their ability to understand and address the needs of diverse individuals, fostering trust and collaboration.

Common error

Don't confuse "a common touch" with simply being ordinary or lacking sophistication. It's about possessing the ability to connect with others on a human level, regardless of background or status. It is not the same as being unsophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common touch" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a quality or characteristic of an individual. Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing politicians, celebrities, and leaders who possess the ability to connect with ordinary people. According to Ludwig AI, this means having an approach that is relatable and accessible to the general public.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common touch" is a noun phrase denoting someone's ability to connect with and understand ordinary people. As Ludwig AI points out, it signifies an approach that's relatable and accessible. Predominantly found in News & Media, this expression carries a neutral register, making it apt for diverse contexts without being overly formal. When employing this phrase, ensure you're highlighting genuine relatability and empathy, not just implying ordinariness. Alternatives like "an approachable manner" or "a relatable quality" can offer subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A man of the people

This phrase is typically used to describe someone who is perceived as understanding and representing the interests of ordinary people.

A knack for connecting with people

Emphasizes a natural talent for forming relationships and understanding others.

A relatable quality

Highlights the ability of someone or something to be easily understood and identified with by others.

Having empathy

Highlights the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. The related phrase focuses specifically on understanding and sharing feelings, whereas the original phrase indicates a relatable quality.

Down-to-earth attitude

Emphasizes simplicity, honesty, and a lack of pretension in one's behavior and beliefs.

An approachable manner

Focuses more on the way someone behaves and interacts with others, emphasizing friendliness and ease of communication.

A populist appeal

Highlights the ability to attract and resonate with ordinary people, often in a political context.

A people person

Describes someone who enjoys being around people and interacts with them effectively.

Easy to get along with

Focuses on the pleasantness and lack of conflict in interactions.

Good rapport

Refers to a harmonious and understanding connection between people.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a common touch" in a sentence?

Use "a common touch" to describe someone's ability to easily relate to and connect with ordinary people, highlighting their approachability and empathy. For example, "The politician's "a common touch" helped him win the support of many working-class voters."

What are some alternative phrases for "a common touch" that I can use in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "an approachable manner", "a relatable quality", or "down-to-earth attitude" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a common touch" considered formal or informal language?

"A common touch" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more frequently found in news articles and general-interest writing.

What distinguishes "a common touch" from simply being 'common'?

"A common touch" implies a deliberate effort or natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, whereas being 'common' simply means being ordinary or unrefined. The former is a desirable trait, while the latter can be perceived negatively.