a touch of macabre

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of macabre" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a slight or subtle element of the grim or eerie, often in a creative or artistic context. Example: "The film had a touch of macabre, with its dark humor and unsettling imagery that kept the audience on edge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Comedy, with a touch of macabre.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To temper that, a jacket printed as if on fire, and a coat with streamers that looked like blood added a touch of the macabre.

The New York Times

To be sure there's a touch of the macabre to her appearance in his 1965 film "Lupe," in which she plays out the last moments of the Hollywood actress Lupe Velez, who tried to stage a beautiful suicide and ended up wrapped around a toilet bowl, but only because Ms. Sedgwick herself provided the fatal postscript.

The New York Times

It's a good twist: macabre with a touch of whimsy.

The New York Times - Arts

Written and directed by Michel Laprise, the production is infused with a vaguely macabre air, a touch of the eerie freak show, that gives the whole a more cohesive, occasionally entrancing effect.

The New York Times

The macabre image of Mao certainly has a touch of fiction about it.

Independent

His work is colourful and beautiful, but the paintings often have a touch of sadistic cruelty – the fairies have nasty little spears with which they're tormenting a frog or a bat, or something equally macabre.

The Guardian - Arts

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

And a touch of frustration.

The New York Times

A touch of sweetness lingers.

The New York Times - Food

7. "A Touch of Sin".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of macabre" to subtly introduce dark or unsettling elements into your writing, adding depth and intrigue without overwhelming the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of macabre" too frequently, as it can become predictable and lose its impact. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "hint of darkness" or "shade of grotesque".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of macabre" functions as a modifier, often used to describe a noun or situation, indicating a subtle presence of dark, eerie, or unsettling elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in describing such nuances.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of macabre" is a phrase used to subtly introduce unsettling or grim elements into writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound, although relatively infrequent. It's most commonly found in news and media, and can add depth to descriptions without being overtly disturbing. When using it, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "a hint of the morbid" or "a tinge of darkness" to maintain freshness and impact. Remember, the goal is to create intrigue, not to overwhelm.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of the morbid

This alternative suggests a slightly stronger negative connotation than the original phrase.

a tinge of darkness

This is a more general term, focusing on the darkness aspect rather than the macabre specifically.

a shade of the grotesque

This alternative emphasizes the distorted and unnatural aspect, rather than just the morbid.

a whisper of morbidity

This alternative emphasizes the subtle presence of macabre elements.

a dash of the eerie

This alternative focuses on creating a sense of mystery and unease.

a sprinkling of the grim

This alternative highlights the harsh and unpleasant aspect of the macabre.

an element of dread

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of fear and apprehension.

a soupçon of the sinister

This alternative implies a more subtle and suggestive sense of evil.

a soupçon of ghoulishness

Emphasizes a slight, playful interest in death or disturbing things.

a sliver of the unsettling

Highlights the disturbing or disquieting nature of the macabre aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of macabre" to describe something that has a slight or subtle element of the grim or eerie. For example, "The artist added "a touch of macabre" to the painting with the use of dark colors and unsettling imagery."

What can I say instead of "a touch of macabre"?

You can use alternatives like "a hint of the morbid", "a tinge of darkness", or "a shade of the grotesque" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a touch of macabre" formal or informal?

"A touch of macabre" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in creative writing and discussions of art or literature. However be aware of the context where you are using it.

What kind of writing benefits from "a touch of macabre"?

Genres like horror, suspense, and dark fantasy often benefit from "a touch of macabre". It can also be effective in adding depth to otherwise ordinary stories by introducing elements of unease or mystery.