a touch behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is slightly delayed or not quite up to speed compared to others. Example: "In the race, she was a touch behind the leading runners but still managed to finish strong."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Employment tends to lag a touch behind profit growth, but history offers few parallels to what is happening today.

The New York Times

Five minutes later, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis picked off a Steve McNair pass meant for Eddie George -- the ball was thrown a touch behind George, he bobbled it, and Lewis grabbed it and sped 50 yards up the field and down the sideline for a score -- and Baltimore led, 24-10.

The New York Times - Sports

Revenue fell 9percenttoto $46.85 billion, a touch behind Wall Street targets, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Huffington Post

Be sure to brace yourself ��� studies have shown that scent plays an important role in sexual attraction! To wear perfume or cologne, spray a tiny amount on your wrists, and perhaps dab a touch behind your ears.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

BACKFLIP is the first Motorola device to feature the new and unique BACKTRACK™ feature which gives AT&T customers the ability to navigate quickly and easily through Web sites, menus and more with a touch panel located behind the screen when the device is folded open.

TechCrunch

Nor was she the only outstanding cast member: Jason Dohring gave "obligatory psychotic jackass" and collector of inspirational phone messages Logan Echolls showed a touching vulnerability behind the sarcasm and smirks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

THE American silent cinema of the 1920s gave us three great comedians: Harold Lloyd, whose hyperkinetic optimism seemed the perfect embodiment of his epoch; Charles Chaplin, whose Victorian sentimentality was just a touching bit behind it; and Buster Keaton, who was so far ahead of his time that we're still running to catch up with him.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, that sweet phone is trapped behind a touch screen that's balkier than a burro with mood swings.

The New York Times - Tech

Ana Magdalena, "a touch of bitter perfume behind each ear", goes on to sleep with a man at the hotel where she is staying.

The Guardian - Books

It is tough to decide whether irony or a touch of hubris lies behind the figurine of Marc Jacobs, in his signature white shirt and kilt, bidding the exhibition farewell with a caption on the display case reading: "bye guys".

The New York Times - Arts

PAGE B9 Stoking Fear Everywhere B1 Big 3 Bankruptcy Optimism B3 Freedoms Behind a Touch Screen B6 NEW YORK FINDING POWER BROKERS Not as Easy as in Times Past "Who are the power brokers?" Mayor John V. Lindsay asked in 1966 when he defiantly challenged their hegemony.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touch behind", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is lagging behind. Providing a reference point enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch behind" when the difference is significant. This phrase implies a slight, almost negligible, gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch behind" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a slight degree of being behind or delayed. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples showcasing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch behind" is a grammatically correct and usable adverbial phrase that signifies a slight delay or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in news, wikis and media. While it's not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for general communication. Alternatives such as "slightly lagging" or "a little late" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using the phrase, be sure to consider context and frequency in mind to ensure your writing remains precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly lagging

Focuses on the act of falling slightly behind.

Barely trailing

Highlights the closeness of the following position.

Marginally slower

Emphasizes the minor difference in speed or pace.

A hair's breadth behind

Uses an idiom to emphasize the extremely small margin.

A little late

Highlights the aspect of being slightly delayed.

A tad slow

Uses a more informal tone to convey slight slowness.

Somewhat deficient

Draws attention to a slight lack or inadequacy.

Just a shade off

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a minor deviation.

Fractionally back

Emphasizes the very small degree of being behind.

Minutely delayed

Highlights the small quantity of the delay.

FAQs

What does "a touch behind" mean?

The phrase "a touch behind" means slightly delayed or lagging, indicating that something or someone is just a little bit slower or less advanced than others.

What can I say instead of "a touch behind"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly lagging", "marginally slower", or "a little late" depending on the context.

Is "a touch behind" formal or informal?

"A touch behind" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in less formal settings.

How do I use "a touch behind" in a sentence?

You can use "a touch behind" to describe someone or something that is slightly delayed or less advanced. For example, "The project was "a touch behind" schedule due to unforeseen circumstances."