a delicate shade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate shade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or soft color, often in contexts related to art, design, or fashion. Example: "The artist chose a delicate shade of blue for the sky in her painting, creating a serene atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Her jeans are cut just so in a delicate shade of pale blue.

The New York Times

It was a tight-fitting linen tunic in a delicate shade of oatmeal.

The Guardian - Film

The party logo is still a tree, but the trees on stage are no longer a delicate shade of green.

The Economist

It was sporting its splendid breeding plumage: the breast suffused a delicate shade of pink, and the head appearing almost blue.

The Guardian

When Paula West strikes a sultry pose, rolls her eyes and flashes an impish half-smile, the ghost of another woman named West (Mae), tints her thick velvety voice a delicate shade of blue.

The New York Times - Arts

The glow often starts out greenish white in color, but can include reds, yellows, blues, purples and a delicate shade of pink, which is often too faint for the naked eye.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Oldman gives a deliciously delicate, shaded performance, flitting in and out of the wings like some darting grey lizard.

The Guardian - Film

She's a poet ill served by some of her admirers, who treat her luxuriant poems, with their fine thorns and outsize, hardy blooms, like delicate shade plants that couldn't survive a strong blast of sun.

The New York Times - Books

For fall, Valentino, Nina Ricci, Christopher Kane (far left) and Chanel all showed strong looks in the delicate shade.

The New York Times

I quote here only the phrases "delicate shade of green," "bloody ooze," "liquefy," and "comes sliding away at the first touch".

The New York Times - Books

In addition to these delicate shades, a mix of metallics and natural elements are making their mark in weddings near and far.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, use "a delicate shade" to convey subtlety and elegance in color, especially in art, design, and fashion contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate shade" in highly technical or scientific descriptions where precise color specifications are needed. Opt for specific color codes or established color terminology instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate shade" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a specific quality of color, emphasizing its subtlety and lightness. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a delicate shade" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively conveys subtlety and elegance in color descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, showcasing its presence in news, media, and artistic contexts. While "a delicate shade" isn't overly common, it's a valuable tool for writers aiming to add sophistication to their descriptive prose. Alternatives such as ""a subtle hue"" or ""a soft tint"" offer similar meanings, allowing for variety in expression. Keep in mind its best use is in contexts where subtlety and refinement are valued, such as art, design, and fashion. Finally, avoid using it when very precise color terminology is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle hue

Focuses on the subtlety of the color.

a soft tint

Emphasizes the lightness and gentleness of the color.

a pale tone

Highlights the lightness and lack of intensity in the color.

a muted color

Suggests a subdued and softened color.

a gentle hue

Implies a mild and pleasant color.

a light tint

Stresses the lightness of the color.

a pastel shade

Specifically refers to a light and soft version of a color.

a subtle coloration

Focuses on the subtlety of the coloring.

a faint coloration

Highlights the lightness of the color.

a soft color wash

Emphasizes a color gently applied over a surface.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate shade" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate shade" to describe the color of objects, such as "The flower had "a delicate shade" of pink" or "The walls were painted "a delicate shade" of blue".

What are some alternatives to "a delicate shade"?

Alternatives include "a subtle hue", "a soft tint", or "a pale tone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a delicate shade" in formal writing?

Yes, "a delicate shade" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing aesthetics in fields like art, fashion, and interior design. It adds a touch of sophistication and precision to your descriptions.

What's the difference between "a delicate shade" and "a vibrant color"?

"A delicate shade" implies a soft, subtle, and often light color, whereas "a vibrant color" suggests a bright, intense, and highly saturated color. They are near antonyms.