a touch of a grimace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of a grimace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or subtle expression of discomfort or displeasure on someone's face. Example: "As she listened to the criticism, a touch of a grimace crossed her face, revealing her discomfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Therefore you've got to be open," says Finnigan with a touch of a grimace, and I suspect that it was partly this growing demand for openness that eventually spurred on her decision to quit TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ow,' she says, a hint of a grimace.

The Guardian - Film

And a touch of frustration.

The New York Times

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

A Touch of The Grape.

Forbes

A touch of blush, only.

WikiHow

Add a touch of rouge.

WikiHow

Add a Touch of Whimsy.

WikiHow

Add a touch of sugar.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of a grimace" to subtly convey a character's inner discomfort or disapproval without being overly dramatic. This adds nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of a grimace" too frequently in dialogue descriptions. Overusing it can make characters seem overly expressive or inauthentic. Vary your descriptions of facial expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of a grimace" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically within a narrative context. It serves to subtly characterize a person's reaction or emotional state, as demonstrated in the example from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of a grimace" is a phrase used to describe a slight expression of discomfort or displeasure. While grammatically correct, Ludwig identifies it as relatively rare in usage. Its primary function is descriptive, adding nuance to narratives by subtly conveying a character's reaction. The register is generally neutral, although more common in written form. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most often found in news, media, and wikis. Consider alternatives like "a slight wince" or "a fleeting frown" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small grimace

Reduces the intensity of the facial expression, but maintains similar meaning.

a slight wince

Emphasizes the physical reaction to something unpleasant.

a hint of a frown

Emphasizes the minor nature of the frown, similar to "a touch".

a fleeting frown

Highlights the quick, temporary nature of the negative expression.

a suppressed cringe

Focuses on an attempt to hide a reaction to something embarrassing or painful.

a hint of discomfort

Focuses on the feeling rather than the facial expression, indicating a slight unease.

a suggestion of pain

Highlights the element of suffering or discomfort implied in the expression.

a trace of displeasure

Indicates a subtle expression of dissatisfaction or disapproval.

a fleeting look of distaste

Focuses on a short and temporary expression of dislike.

a shadow of annoyance

Suggests a faint and brief appearance of irritation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of a grimace" to describe a subtle expression of discomfort or displeasure, as in: "As she listened to the criticism, a touch of a grimace crossed her face, revealing her discomfort."

What's a similar phrase to "a touch of a grimace"?

Alternatives include "a slight wince", "a fleeting frown", or "a hint of discomfort" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a touch of a grimace" formal or informal?

The phrase "a touch of a grimace" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in descriptive writing than in casual conversation.

What does "a touch of a grimace" imply about the person's feelings?

"A touch of a grimace" suggests a mild level of discomfort, pain, or disapproval. It's less intense than a full grimace and indicates a more restrained reaction.