a small touch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small touch of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight addition or hint of something, often in a positive or enhancing context. Example: "The dish was delightful, with a small touch of lemon that brightened the flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But this is the Big Show, an all too human collection of aspiration and inspiration, not a small touch of arrogance, and yet the uncanny whiff of occasionally and ultimately pulling it off.

TechCrunch

Add a small touch of black eyeliner towards the outer 1/3 of the eyelid.

WikiHow

Roast vegetables by adding herbs and spices and a small touch of oil.

WikiHow

Moving onto the eyes, apply a small touch of concealer to the lids just to cover any veins showing through the thin, delicate skin.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Constantly check that the boat is not caught on anything by checking that a) Small touches of throttle move the boat backwards and forwards freely b) The boat is completely level c) The boat is rising or falling smoothly (measure progress by looking at the brickwork joints).

WikiHow

His sushi is perfectly proportional, each unit of rice and fish enhanced by a small touch, perhaps a dot of vinegar jelly or a touch of hot chili.

The New York Times

I can remember watching Captain Picard of the Enterprise playing around with a small touch screen device, kind of like an iPad.

TechCrunch

"You will always know Corot," she said, "by his small touch of red, such as a hat.

The New Yorker

Rejecting abstraction, these artists create paintings from a broad range of subjects, choosing, much like their predecessors, a few or even 1 subject, which they lavish with extreme seriousness and attention, focusing on the "credible detail, that small touch of the familiar," that has long been part of the repertory of Spanish painters (3 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Draw big dots of white color and add very small touch of black dot to them.

WikiHow

We were rewarded with a four-poster bed, a lace-curtained living room the size of a small touch-football field, and two bathrooms featuring porcelain fixtures.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small touch of" to subtly enhance descriptions or add nuance without overpowering the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "a small touch of" excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain clarity and authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small touch of" functions primarily as a modifier, adding detail or nuance to a description. It indicates a slight amount or degree of a particular quality or element.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small touch of" is a phrase used to indicate a slight addition or hint of something, generally with a positive or enhancing connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in varied contexts, though its usage is relatively rare, predominantly appearing in Wiki and News & Media sources. While versatile, overuse in excessively formal writing should be avoided. Alternatives like ""a hint of"" or ""a dash of"" can be considered for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of

More general term for a slight addition or modification.

a hint of

Focuses on a subtle suggestion or indication, implying less directness.

a dash of

Implies a small quantity, often used in culinary or metaphorical contexts.

a trace of

Suggests a minimal amount, often barely perceptible.

a shade of

Similar to a tinge, but focuses more on a nuance or variation.

a tinge of

Refers to a slight coloring or influence, often emotional.

a smidgen of

Informal and emphasizes a very small amount.

a whisper of

Suggests something barely audible or noticeable, very subtle.

a speck of

Highlights a tiny particle or element.

an iota of

Emphasizes an extremely small quantity, often of something intangible.

FAQs

How can I use "a small touch of" in a sentence?

You can use "a small touch of" to describe a subtle addition or hint of something. For instance, "The room needed "a small touch of" color to brighten it up".

What are some alternatives to "a small touch of"?

Alternatives include "a hint of", "a dash of", or "a trace of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a small touch of" formal or informal?

"A small touch of" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In very formal contexts, more precise language might be preferred.

Can "a small touch of" be used in negative contexts?

Yes, it can. For example, "There was "a small touch of" arrogance in his demeanor", indicating a slight negative quality.