a touch of optimism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of optimism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey a small amount of hope or positive outlook in a situation. Example: "Despite the challenges we face, there is a touch of optimism in the air as we look forward to the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Forbes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And, ultimately, that is what Blue Planet II has given us: oceans, oddities, and a touch of optimism.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There was a touch of optimism and relief on Friday that talks would move ahead and that a transition period would provide the needed breathing space.

The New York Times

"They'll probably recover everything," he said, a touch of optimism in his voice, though US Airways said it was too early to tell.

The New York Times

NEW YORK TIMES   Fed Offers a Touch of Optimism on the Economy  |  While the central bank said it would continue its efforts to stimulate the economy, its report noted that the improving job market and increased spending were cause for some optimism, The New York Times reports.

The New York Times

Daisy Sunshine is just what the doctor ordered and will add a touch of optimism to your day.

Forbes

Instead of jagged holes in the concrete, streets are dotted with cartoonishly bright, meticulously crafted patches of public art, adding a touch of optimism to the neighborhood.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Oh for a touch of that optimism, for this neck of the woods is more than a little nervy about the whole thing now.

The Guardian - Sport

But I also wonder if using Derbyshire as a type in an older/younger, benighted past/enlightened future dichotomy doesn't reflect a touch of over-optimism about what that future is actually likely to bring.

The New York Times

Despite her grim outlook, she added a touch of encouragement, if not optimism: "The happy ending still beckons, and it is in the hope of grasping it that we go on".

Huffington Post

The mood at the New York meeting on Saturday afternoon was one of supportive optimism, with a touch of wariness, and the Los Angeles gathering was set to take place late in the evening.

The New York Times

"ESCAPE to Tanglewood," advertisements have beckoned this season with determined optimism and perhaps a touch of defiance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of optimism" to subtly introduce a positive outlook, especially when acknowledging challenges or uncertainty. This can create a balanced and realistic tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of optimism" when the situation clearly warrants a more substantial expression of hope or confidence. Misusing the phrase in overwhelmingly negative scenarios can diminish its impact and appear insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of optimism" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to a small amount or element of hopefulness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting it conveys a limited but present positive outlook.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

18%

Forbes

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Huffington Post

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touch of optimism" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to indicate a small amount of hope or positivity. Ludwig AI validates this usage. While not extremely common, it finds use across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. Alternative expressions include "a hint of hope" or "a glimmer of hope". When employing the phrase, ensure the level of positivity aligns with the situation to avoid understatement or insincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of hope

Substitutes "optimism" with "hope" and "touch" with "hint", both implying a small amount.

a glimmer of hope

Replaces "touch" with "glimmer", suggesting a faint or weak indication of hope.

a dash of hope

Uses "dash" instead of "touch", indicating a small quantity or addition of hope.

a shade of optimism

Employs "shade" to represent a subtle degree or variation of optimism.

a spark of hope

Replaces "touch" with "spark", suggesting a small but potentially igniting source of hope.

a note of optimism

Uses "note" to convey a subtle indication or element of optimism present.

a degree of hope

Substitutes "touch" with "degree", referring to the extent or measure of hope.

a tinge of optimism

Replaces "touch" with "tinge", suggesting a slight coloring or influence of optimism.

a whisper of hope

Uses "whisper" to suggest a barely perceptible or quiet sense of hope.

a soupçon of optimism

Employs the French term "soupçon" indicating a very small amount of optimism.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of optimism" to express a small amount of hope or positivity in a situation. For example, "Despite the setbacks, there's "a touch of optimism" as we look to the future".

What phrases are similar to "a touch of optimism"?

Similar phrases include "a hint of hope", "a glimmer of hope", or "a dash of hope", all suggesting a small degree of positivity.

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

Yes, "a touch of optimism" is generally suitable for formal writing, particularly when conveying a balanced perspective. However, consider stronger alternatives like "considerable optimism" if a more emphatic tone is needed.

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

"A touch of optimism" implies a small amount of hope, while "a wave of optimism" suggests a strong and widespread feeling of positivity. The choice depends on the intensity of the sentiment you want to convey.