a touch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is small or subtle, and can also be used to refer to a particular kind of quality. For example, you could say: "His speech had a touch of humor and wit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

There's a touch of realism.

Independent

And a touch of frustration.

The New York Times

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

STEVE COLL: A touch of Question Time.

The New Yorker

Bypassed, admitted with a touch of reluctance.

Independent

And perhaps a touch of eyeliner?

The New York Times

It also disclosed a touch of desperation.

Independent

"A Touch of Sin" is unrated.

The New York Times

A touch of honey!" he exclaimed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touch of" avoid redundancy by ensuring the noun that follows clearly contributes new information. For example, instead of "a touch of red color", simply say "a touch of red".

Common error

While versatile, avoid relying too heavily on "a touch of" in formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and direct language to maintain clarity and professionalism. Instead of "The data showed a touch of correlation", consider "The data indicated a slight correlation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of" functions as a pre-modifier, adding a descriptive element to a noun. It indicates a small amount or subtle quality. Ludwig provides several examples, such as "a touch of sweetness lingers" or "a touch of class", demonstrating its role in enriching descriptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of" is a versatile phrase used to subtly enhance descriptions across various contexts. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While it adds nuance and depth, writers should be mindful of the context, avoiding overuse in highly formal or technical writing where precision is paramount. The phrase can convey qualities like class, elegance, humor, or sweetness, as seen in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Similar in conveying a slight or subtle presence of something.

a dash of

Implies a small quantity, often used in cooking or to describe a slight addition.

a taste of

Suggests experiencing a small amount or introduction to something.

a shade of

Indicates a slight variation or nuance in color or quality.

a glimmer of

Conveys a faint or weak sign of something, often hope or light.

an element of

Highlights the presence of a particular component or characteristic.

a degree of

Indicates a certain level or extent of a quality or characteristic.

a strain of

Suggests a particular type or aspect of something, often negative.

a suspicion of

Implies a slight or tentative belief or feeling.

a note of

Conveys a subtle indication or impression of something, often emotional.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of" to describe a small amount or subtle quality of something. For example: "The sauce needs "a touch of salt"", or "Her performance had "a touch of elegance"".

What are some alternatives to "a touch of"?

Alternatives include "a hint of", "a dash of", "a shade of", or "an element of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a touch of" followed by an uncountable noun?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. "A touch of" is often used with uncountable nouns to indicate a small amount or degree. For example: "A touch of sadness lingered in her eyes."

What's the difference between "a touch of" and "a bit of"?

Both phrases indicate a small quantity, but "a touch of" often implies subtlety or refinement, while "a bit of" is more general. You might say "a touch of class" to suggest elegance, but "a bit of trouble" for a minor problem.