a touch melancholic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch melancholic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a slight or subtle feeling of sadness or nostalgia. Example: "The film had a touch melancholic quality that lingered long after the credits rolled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At a fairly early point he arrived at his signature blending of figure, landscape and abstraction -- not too suave, not too rough, a little goofy, a touch melancholic -- and he has stayed with it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The film is accessible, pleasant, dreamy, a touch goofy and melancholic.

The New York Times

The dialogue is naturalistic and the Norfolk Broads setting melancholic (its flatness in stark contrast to Geoff's former Alpine adventures), yet there is something steely that lies beneath – a touch of Michael Haneke's frost.

The Guardian - Film

A touch.

The New York Times - Arts

He's also bringing Thisinfamous Dope Jams NYC duo Slow trackeak over for a UK debut to portrays Labour of Love party at greatow's Subalanceof the 13th February, and The Ace Hotel in London the following day.

Vice

At heart he's a colorist, an intimist, melancholic, with astonishing tonal nuances and an endless, much-trafficked variety of touches.

The New York Times - Arts

It is a more thought-provoking activity than building sandcastles, with a nice melancholic tinge.

The Economist

His songs have a special aura soft, with melancholic touches that are both dark and luminous at the same time.

Vice

"Quietness echoes everywhere you go, a melancholic feeling as you pass through.

BBC

It's a dark vibe, melancholic, a little foggy.

The Guardian - Music

It's a heartbreaking gut-punch; a melancholic shadow attaching itself to the film.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch melancholic" to subtly convey a sense of sadness without being overly dramatic. It's effective in descriptions where a lighter, more nuanced emotional tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch melancholic" excessively in writing that already leans towards sentimentality. Overusing it can make the writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Balance it with more grounded observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch melancholic" functions as an adjectival modifier, adding a subtle descriptive layer to a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in English for describing things with a slight sense of sadness, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch melancholic" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey a slight sense of sadness or wistfulness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian, making it suitable for descriptive writing where a subtle emotional tone is desired. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overwhelming your writing with sentimentality. Consider alternatives like "slightly melancholic" or "a hint of melancholy" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly melancholic

Replaces "a touch" with "slightly", indicating a similar degree of sadness.

a hint of melancholy

Substitutes "touch" with "hint", suggesting a subtle and understated sadness.

a shade of sadness

Uses "shade" instead of "touch", implying a subtle variation of sadness.

a tinge of melancholy

Replaces "touch" with "tinge", suggesting a faint trace of sadness.

a whisper of sadness

Uses "whisper" to emphasize the delicate and almost imperceptible nature of the sadness.

a soupçon of melancholy

Employs the French word "soupçon" to suggest a very small amount of sadness, adding a touch of sophistication.

a faint melancholic air

Shifts from describing something as melancholic to describing the presence of a melancholic atmosphere.

slightly wistful

Replaces "melancholic" with "wistful", indicating a gentle longing or regret.

a mildly sad tone

Uses "mildly sad" to describe a slightly sorrowful quality.

a somewhat somber note

Substitutes "melancholic" with "somber", suggesting a serious and subdued mood.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch melancholic" to describe something that has a slight feeling of sadness. For example, "The film had "a touch melancholic" quality that lingered long after the credits rolled."

What are some alternatives to "a touch melancholic"?

Alternatives include "slightly melancholic", "a hint of melancholy", or "a tinge of melancholy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a touch melancholic" formal or informal?

"A touch melancholic" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it may be more common in descriptive or literary writing.

How does "a touch melancholic" differ from "deeply melancholic"?

"A touch melancholic" suggests a subtle or slight feeling of sadness, while "deeply melancholic" indicates a more profound and intense sadness. The former is lighter and less overwhelming than the latter.