a touch long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slightly longer than desired or expected, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The presentation was a touch long, and some audience members started to lose interest halfway through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fowler took note on the tee when playing partner Steve Stricker hit a 6-iron downwind, a shot that landed a touch long without enough spin to hold the green.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Whiskey Tree may prefer sprinting, and this mile distance could be a touch too long but the last time he went long he had to face the likes of Abiding Start who won the Parx Derby next out.

Los Angeles Times

Who was this guy, so casually clad, his hair cut and combed a touch too long?

The New Yorker

My new stepmother wore floral-print polyester, her toenails painted cherry red and a touch too long.

The New Yorker

Sly, bawdy and a touch too long, "Jem (and Sam)" nevertheless pulls off a neat trick: finding a prose style that suggests the language of Jem's day while remaining accessible to an ordinary reader of this one.

The New York Times - Books

It's a touch too long, but Jonze's computer romance is a movie conceived of and executed with great flair and imagination, on a grand canvas that belies its intimacy.

The Guardian - Film

If you're looking for some stability with a touch of long-term upside, you'd be wise to consider any of them.

Forbes

A "touch-down" long PCR amplification was carried out using the following parameters: 95°C hot start (2 min), 10 cycles of 98°C denaturation (10 sec), 67-58°C 67-58°Cng (1 min 30 sec; °C/cycle), 72°C extension (5 min), annealingly 25 cycles of 98°C denaturation (10 sec), 58°C annealing (1 min 30 sec), 72°C/cyclesion (5 min).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

He went on to describe their strategy in Peckham as "a more light-touch, long-term approach to the redevelopment".

Vice

They're all a touch over six inches long.

The New York Times - Food

To decrease the need for mental health services, we needed to provide a light touch, but long standing alternative to professional support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch long" to subtly suggest that something exceeds the ideal or desired length without being overly critical. It's suitable for informal settings or when providing gentle feedback.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch long" in formal reports or academic papers where precise language is required. Opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "slightly lengthy" or "somewhat extended".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch long" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing the extent to which something exceeds a desired or expected length. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used to provide a subtle critique.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch long" is a grammatically correct phrase used as an adjectival modifier to indicate that something is slightly longer than desired. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable and correct in written english. While commonly found in news articles and general conversation, it might be too informal for academic writing. Alternatives like "slightly lengthy" or "somewhat extended" are better suited for formal contexts. Using "a touch long" effectively involves understanding its subtle nuance and choosing the appropriate register for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly lengthy

Indicates a minor degree of excess in length.

a bit too long

Expresses that something exceeds the desired length to a small degree.

a shade too lengthy

Indicates a small degree of excess in length, similar to 'a bit too long'.

somewhat extended

Suggests a moderate increase in length beyond the typical or expected.

just a little long

Highlights the small extent to which something is too long.

slightly drawn out

Implies that something is slightly and often unnoticeably lengthened.

marginally prolonged

Implies a slight and often unnoticeable lengthening.

moderately protracted

Suggests a moderate increase in length beyond the typical or expected.

barely elongated

Conveys the minimal nature of the increased length.

ever so long

An intensifier to express that something is slightly lengthy

FAQs

What does "a touch long" mean?

The phrase "a touch long" means something is slightly longer than desired or expected. It's a way to express that something exceeds the ideal length to a small degree.

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

You might say, "The movie was good, but "a touch long"", meaning the movie's duration was slightly excessive.

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

You can use alternatives like "slightly lengthy", "a bit too long", or "somewhat extended depending on the context".

Is "a touch long" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a touch long" is more suited for informal settings. For formal writing, consider more precise and professional alternatives like "slightly lengthy" or "somewhat extended".