a touch easier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch easier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly less difficult or more manageable than before. Example: "After reviewing the material again, I found the concepts to be a touch easier to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

An identity a touch easier on the tongue.

The New Yorker

Inside he's all smiles to learn that "getting lower rates on top-quality auto insurance just got a touch easier".

Forbes

Just 5percentt, although it's a touch easier for a struggling company to rebound than an established company to double its stock price.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

So catholic a view, though inviting in its way, makes life a touch too easy for the anthologist.

The New York Times - Books

Combine Juno with Mean Girls, add a touch of Easy A, throw in a dash of Daria, garnish with a Veronica Mars-y voice-over and you get this pilot.

Huffington Post

Had a gentle touch, an easy-wristed riffin' approach, sweet, swinging and steady as a rock.

Independent

There was no trace of the French gamine to her Bilitis, usually the province of mezzos; the singer's top notes are losing a touch of their former easy purity.

The New York Times - Arts

With a touch of imagination, it is easy to be transplanted to a sleepy seaside resort in Brittany or Normandy.

BBC

You can also tell the Assistant to turn down the volume for you, but the inclusion of buttons is a nice touch for easy access when the display is nearby.

TechCrunch

All that made it easy to forgive a touch of interpretive oddness.

The New York Times - Arts

It's easy-going with a touch of peat to it, along with lots of vanilla sweetness.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touch easier", ensure the context clearly establishes what the original level of difficulty was. This provides a better sense of the improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch easier" when the difference is actually significant. This phrase implies a slight, almost imperceptible change, not a major overhaul.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch easier" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifically a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a verb or noun by indicating that something is slightly less difficult than it was before. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch easier" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI. It serves to denote a slight reduction in difficulty, fitting well within a neutral to informal register. Though not exceedingly common, its presence across reputable sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch, makes it appropriate for everyday writing. Just ensure that the context warrants the nuance of a 'slight' improvement and not a major, substantial change. Consider "slightly simpler" or "marginally less difficult" when formality is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly simpler

Emphasizes reduced complexity rather than reduced effort.

marginally less difficult

Highlights a minor decrease in the level of difficulty.

a bit more straightforward

Focuses on the clarity and directness of the process.

somewhat more manageable

Indicates an improvement in the ease of handling or controlling something.

a shade less challenging

Highlights a subtle decrease in the level of challenge.

barely easier

Stresses that the easiness is minimal and almost unnoticeable.

just a little easier

Emphasizes the small amount of difference in difficulty.

a trifle easier

Emphasizes that the easiness is small and relatively unimportant.

minimally easier

Underlines that the reduction in difficulty is at its lowest possible value.

fractionally less complex

Implies that the difference in complexity is almost negligible.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch easier" to describe something that has become slightly less difficult. For example, "After the update, the software became "a touch easier" to navigate".

What's a synonym for "a touch easier"?

Synonyms for "a touch easier" include "slightly simpler", "marginally less difficult", or "a bit more straightforward", depending on the context.

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

While "a touch easier" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider alternatives like "slightly simpler" or "somewhat more manageable" for a more professional tone.

When should I avoid using "a touch easier"?

Avoid using "a touch easier" if the improvement is significant. This phrase implies a minor adjustment, so a more descriptive term is needed if the change is substantial.