a touch of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a touch of concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in many contexts to convey a feeling of worry or sympathy. For example: "He saw the look of distress on her face and felt a touch of concern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still plenty of time, but there's room for a touch of concern.

The New York Times

Ms. Dacus, as usual, seemed content and levelheaded, with a touch of concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rampling's bringing that icy, enigmatic quality with a touch of maternal concern to her latest role as Dr. Evelyn Vogel on the final season of Showtime's "Dexter".

Los Angeles Times

But we also begin to need something more than that: a touch of empathy and concern as the people we don't care about and don't notice pass right down the bus, please.

The Guardian - Opinion

It doesn't tend to be a popular question among vegans, mostly because we get tired of answering and also because the question is often laced with a touch of incredulity and concern, as if at any moment we might begin wasting in front of the inquirer's uneasy eyes.

HuffPost

Maybe Microsoft had a touch of Gmail envy or were concerned about being left behind.

TechCrunch

Giving the episode a positive review, Ben Rayner of the Toronto Star wrote, "Fortunately, the episode is on par with this season's best, boasting a reasonably unscattered plotline and, where the main romantic storyline is concerned, a touch of the childlike sweetness Simpsons writers have brought to previous 'crush' episodes".

Wikipedia

Chris Wise is a teacher of English, whose debut book, Colliding with Orion Writing from Life, consisting of poetry, stories, and essays, comes out next year; he serves on the Houston Public Poetry committee, and is a wise and tender poet, dealing with working-class concerns with a touch of poignancy and melancholy that avoids the sentimental.

Huffington Post

And there's more than a touch of the bedside manner to the solicitous concern he has for his users.

The Guardian - Tech

The couple's detention has touched off a wave of concern about investigators who conduct research on companies in China on behalf of investors.

The New York Times

On the third day of his first visit to the Middle East as pope, Benedict touched on a theme of concern to the Vatican: the plight of Christians in the Middle East, whose numbers have dropped significantly in recent decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of concern" to subtly indicate worry or empathy without sounding overly dramatic. It's effective when describing a character's internal state or a nuanced observation of someone's expression.

Common error

While "a touch of concern" is appropriate in moderation, relying on it too often can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using "a hint of worry" or "a shade of anxiety" for a richer tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. It denotes a subtle degree of worry or empathy. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing nuanced emotional states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of concern" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a slight degree of worry or empathy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, fitting well in both formal and informal settings. While not overly common, this phrase offers a nuanced way to describe subtle emotional states. Consider related phrases like "a hint of worry" for similar expressions, and be mindful of overuse to maintain varied and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of worry

Substitutes "touch" with "hint", suggesting a slightly lesser degree of concern.

a shade of anxiety

Replaces "concern" with "anxiety", implying a more intense emotional state.

a tinge of apprehension

Uses "tinge" and "apprehension" to convey a slight feeling of unease or fear.

a degree of solicitude

Replaces "concern" with "solicitude", emphasizing attentiveness and care.

a flutter of disquiet

Employs "flutter" and "disquiet" to evoke a subtle disturbance or unrest.

a soupçon of unease

Utilizes the French term "soupçon" to denote a very small amount of unease.

a glimmer of unease

Replaces "touch" with "glimmer", suggesting a faint or fleeting feeling of discomfort.

slight misgivings

Uses "misgivings" to indicate a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.

mild trepidation

Implies a state of fear or anxiety about what might happen.

small worries

Offers a more direct and simplistic expression of worry.

FAQs

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

This phrase is often used to describe a mild degree of worry or care. For instance, "He noticed "a touch of concern" in her voice when she asked about his health".

What does "a touch of concern" mean?

It signifies a slight feeling of worry, empathy, or solicitude, often used to describe someone's expression or tone. It indicates a mild level of care or apprehension.

What are some synonyms for "a touch of concern"?

Alternatives include "a hint of worry", "a shade of anxiety", or "a tinge of apprehension". These variations offer similar nuances in expressing mild worry.

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

Yes, it's generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when aiming for a subtle and nuanced description of someone's emotional state. However, be mindful of overusing it and consider alternatives for variety.