a touch of excitement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of excitement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of excitement added to a situation or experience. Example: "The event was well-organized, but the surprise guest added a touch of excitement to the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A touch of excitement, danger even.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The false alarm added a touch of excitement to the fifth day of a space shuttle mission.

The New York Times

"Bond is really a character that a lot of men relate to," he said, adding that the stylish secret agent added a touch of excitement to the brand.

The New York Times

"Have any of you ever read 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,' by John le Carré?" the mayor, a touch of excitement in his voice, asked a classroom of wide-eyed 11th graders.

The New York Times

In the two decades of their marriage, they had gone together to a lot of parties, and always with a touch of excitement, a little hope, a little expectation of something lucky happening.

The New Yorker

She turned to me and said, "This is the most wonderful gift that you — " "We're not done yet," I said, with a touch of excitement in my voice, and led her through the kitchen door and down the four wooden steps into the back yard.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

As a purely financial investment, with a touch of added excitement from the commodity in question, this could really make sense.

Independent

At the otherwise subdued Bridge Cafe in Westport, vibrant paintings by Valentino Cortiazar supply a touch of theatricality and excitement to the room.

The New York Times

He will bring a touch of flair, adventure and excitement to the job.

The Guardian

It was a general memory, not a box score recitation, but he offered it with excitement and a touch of historical perspective.

The New York Times

You come out shaken with excitement, but with a touch of shame, too, at being so easily thrilled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of excitement" when you want to convey a subtle or understated sense of anticipation or thrill, rather than a strong or overwhelming feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of excitement" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of enthusiasm or exhilaration. It's best suited for moments of mild anticipation, not overwhelming joy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of excitement" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe a subtle increase or addition of excitement to a situation or feeling. It acts as a subject complement or object in sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of excitement" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates a subtle addition of thrill or anticipation. Ludwig AI underscores its appropriateness for describing moments where a mild feeling of excitement is present. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Wiki. Alternatives like "a hint of thrill" or "a dash of enthusiasm" offer similar but slightly different nuances. Remember to use it when subtlety is key and avoid overstating the level of excitement. As it is, "a touch of excitement" provides a refined way to express a gentle stirring of anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of thrill

Emphasizes a slight, almost imperceptible feeling of thrill.

a dash of enthusiasm

Highlights a small amount of eagerness and positive energy.

a glimmer of anticipation

Focuses on the hopeful expectation of something positive.

a frisson of anticipation

Suggests a brief moment of excitement and nervousness.

a whisper of adventure

Implies a subtle call to explore and experience new things.

a shade of eagerness

Conveys a minimal degree of enthusiasm or willingness.

a spark of interest

Highlights a beginning of curiosity or engagement.

a tinge of exhilaration

Indicates a faint feeling of happiness and invigoration.

a soupçon of suspense

Borrowing from French, it suggests a tiny amount of suspense.

an iota of thrill

Conveys an extremely small quantity of thrill.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of excitement" to describe a situation or feeling that has a slight element of thrill or anticipation. For example, "The surprise guest added "a touch of excitement" to the otherwise formal event."

What are some alternatives to "a touch of excitement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a hint of thrill", "a dash of enthusiasm", or "a glimmer of anticipation".

When is it appropriate to use "a touch of excitement"?

It's appropriate to use "a touch of excitement" when you want to express a mild or subtle sense of anticipation or thrill, not a strong or overwhelming feeling. It's suitable for situations where there's a hint of something exciting, but not a full-blown experience.

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

"A touch of excitement" implies a small amount of thrill or anticipation, while "a lot of excitement" suggests a significant degree of enthusiasm or thrill. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.