a shade of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shade of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a slight variation or nuance of a color or concept. Example: "The painting features a beautiful shade of blue that evokes a sense of calm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NADIA: Is "green" a shade of beige?

The New Yorker

Purple as a shade of black.

The New Yorker

One is but a shade of the other".

The New York Times - Books

His hair was also tinted a shade of blond.

The New York Times - Sports

By then, it probably was a shade of blackish-green.

The New Yorker

"There's always a shade of mauve in Hamish".

The New York Times - Style

There exists a shade of pink known as folly.

The New Yorker

Then there's Louise, eating lollipops and evoking more than a shade of Lolita.

The New York Times - Books

We also see a relative, a cricketlike round-headed katydid, wearing a shade of chartreuse green.

The New York Times

B minor is represented by emerald green, C major, by a shade of goldish red.

The New Yorker

In fact, the new lanes will be painted a shade of terra-cotta brown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shade of" to describe subtle variations in color, emotion, or abstract qualities to add precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a shade of" excessively in abstract contexts where more direct language would be clearer. For example, instead of saying "a shade of doubt", consider using "some doubt" or "slight doubt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shade of" functions primarily as a prepositional qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate a slight variation or degree. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts, showing its versatility in describing nuances of color, emotion, and abstract qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shade of" is a versatile phrase used to describe subtle variations in color, emotion, or abstract qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, wiki articles, and scientific writing. To use it effectively, focus on adding precision and subtlety to your descriptions, while avoiding overuse in abstract contexts. Alternatives like "a hint of" or "a touch of" can provide similar nuance. By mastering this phrase, you can enhance the clarity and expressiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Expresses a slight or subtle presence of something, similar to a subtle variation.

a touch of

Indicates a small amount or degree of something, similar to a slight difference.

a tinge of

Suggests a faint trace or slight degree of color or feeling.

a glimmer of

Implies a faint or wavering light or sign of something.

a nuance of

Refers to a subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, or response.

a degree of

Indicates a certain level or extent of something.

a hint at

Suggests something indirectly or subtly.

an element of

Indicates a component or aspect of something.

a suspicion of

Expresses a slight feeling of doubt or mistrust.

a whiff of

Suggests a slight smell or trace of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shade of" to describe a slight variation in color, such as "The wall was painted "a shade of blue"", or to express a subtle difference in feeling, like "He felt "a shade of jealousy"".

What are some alternatives to "a shade of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a hint of", "a touch of", or "a tinge of" to express a slight difference or variation.

Is it correct to use "a shade of" for non-color descriptions?

Yes, it is correct. While often used for colors, "a shade of" can also describe subtle differences in emotions, qualities, or other abstract concepts. For example, "There was "a shade of disappointment" in his voice".

What's the difference between "a shade of" and "a hint of"?

Both phrases indicate a slight presence of something, but "a shade of" often implies a variation within a spectrum, whereas "a hint of" suggests a subtle indication or suggestion.