a touch

USAGE SUMMARY

'a touch' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to reference when something is less than the full amount, degree, or intensity, or when something is added to a larger whole. For example, "He added a touch of color to the blank canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A touch.

The New York Times - Arts

— just a touch dull.

The New York Times - Books

And a touch paranoid.

The Economist

Desperate, a touch.

Independent

Panasonic's solution: a touch screen.

The New York Times - Tech

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

(A touch-screen F.A.Q.

The New York Times - Arts

(That's on a touch-screen menu).

The New York Times

It's a touch-screen remote, too.

The New York Times - Tech

And a touch-screen?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch" to add nuance and subtlety to your writing, especially when describing flavors, emotions, or qualities that are not overwhelming but noticeably present.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch" excessively in a single piece of writing. While it's a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish its impact. Vary your descriptive language to keep your text engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch" functions primarily as a modifier, often acting as a noun phrase that quantifies or qualifies another noun. As seen in Ludwig, it indicates a small amount or degree of a particular quality or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Food

10%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a touch" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating a small amount or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, from news and media to cooking and general descriptions. Related phrases include "a hint", "a dash", and "a tinge", offering similar nuances. When using "a touch", aim for subtlety and avoid overuse to maintain impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint

This alternative focuses on suggesting a subtle indication or trace of something.

a dash

This alternative implies a small quantity, often used in cooking or to add a little of something.

a trace

This alternative emphasizes a minimal presence or sign of something.

a tinge

This alternative suggests a slight coloring or influence.

a shade

This alternative indicates a small degree of difference or variation.

a glimmer

This alternative implies a faint or fleeting sign of something.

a suspicion

This alternative means an idea or feeling, especially one based on little evidence.

an element

This alternative suggests a component or aspect of something.

a soupçon

Borrowed from French, this word denotes a very small amount, typically of a seasoning.

an iota

This alternative emphasizes an extremely small quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch" to indicate a small amount or degree of something. For example, "The sauce needs "a touch of salt"" or "There was "a touch of sadness" in her voice."

What phrases are similar to "a touch"?

Similar phrases include "a hint", "a dash", or "a tinge", depending on the specific context. These alternatives all convey a small quantity or degree.

Is it appropriate to use "a touch" in formal writing?

Yes, "a touch" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, you might opt for a more precise or technical term.

What's the difference between "a touch" and "a little"?

While both indicate a small quantity, "a touch" often implies a more subtle or delicate addition than "a little". "A little" is a more general term, while "a touch" suggests refinement or precision.