a fine touch

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fine touch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation or an object that has been handled in a delicate manner, for example: The artist added a fine touch to the painting with a few well-placed strokes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

With a mullet and a fine touch for feathering, Mr. Vivot was a village sensation.

The New York Times

The works revealed a fine touch, historical regard, and capricious yet contemporary sensibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 6ft 8in South African showed a fine touch at the net and played the big points particularly well.

Independent

Mr. Baran has a fine touch with seasonings and a graceful, but not faddish, eye for presentation.

The New York Times - Arts

Against Arsenal he was a mobile, menacing presence, making runs right across the forward line and showing a fine touch.

The Guardian - Sport

At the Joyce recently, Curran's company performed two related works that navigated this potentially ponderous territory with a fine touch.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In a particularly fine touch, the main Russian television channel broadcast a "phone call" from Putin, ostensibly on his cell phone in the middle of a pristine birch grove, to President Dmitry Medvedev, back in his ornate Kremlin office.

The New Yorker

"It's so straight up and delicate, it takes a really fine touch," said Garrett Oliver, brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, which does not make a version.

The New York Times - Food

The soft keys, which you'll be using a lot, are in the middle, but you'd have to have a pretty fine touch to tell which one you're hitting, since the "home" and "back" buttons are really one double button that your thumb covers completely.

TechCrunch

The protest, by the way, scraped together about ten thousand people, and police fined the organizers for having more people than the permit for the gathering allowed — an especially fine touch.

The New Yorker

And the 18-karat gold nib is available in six sizes, each with an ebonite feeder another fine touch not often seen in pen making these days, since most brands have gone the way of plastic components to create the ink feeder.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fine touch" to describe actions or qualities that require sensitivity, skill, or precision. For example, in cooking, art, or negotiation, indicating someone's careful and skilled approach.

Common error

Avoid using "a fine touch" in highly technical or scientific contexts where precise measurements and data are more appropriate. Opt for terms that reflect accuracy and rigor rather than subjective skill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fine touch" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable English form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fine touch" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe skill, delicacy, or precision in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, highlighting its broad applicability. When using the phrase, consider its implications of skill and delicacy, and avoid overuse in highly technical scenarios. For alternative expressions, consider "a delicate approach" or "a skillful hand" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. It's usage across different domains makes it a reliable term for most writing and conversation purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate approach

Emphasizes the careful and sensitive manner in dealing with a situation or task.

a skillful hand

Highlights the expertise and proficiency applied to a task or creation.

a deft hand

Highlights the quick and clever ability to execute something.

a subtle element

Focuses on the understated and refined aspect of something.

a refined quality

Highlights the sophisticated and polished nature of something.

a nuanced understanding

Emphasizes the deep and insightful grasp of a complex subject.

a sensitive treatment

Indicates a careful and empathetic handling of a delicate subject.

a polished style

Focuses on the refined and elegant manner in which something is presented.

an elegant precision

Highlights the combination of grace and accuracy in execution.

a masterly execution

Emphasizes the high level of skill and control in performing a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fine touch" to describe someone's skill in handling delicate situations or tasks, such as "The chef added "a fine touch" with the seasoning" or "The negotiator showed "a fine touch" in resolving the conflict".

What are some synonyms for "a fine touch"?

Alternatives to "a fine touch" include "a delicate approach", "a skillful hand", or "a subtle element", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fine touch" formal or informal?

"A fine touch" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. It is generally considered appropriate for most types of writing and conversation.

What's the difference between "a fine touch" and "a delicate touch"?

While similar, "a fine touch" often implies skill and precision, whereas "a delicate touch" may emphasize gentleness and care. The best choice depends on the specific context and the quality you want to highlight.