a touch of solace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of solace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small amount of comfort or consolation in a difficult situation. Example: "After a long day, I found a touch of solace in my favorite book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is exhilarating, sexy, and dizzying, and maybe there is a moment here and there when it's all just a bit much, when a touch of solace is needed from things that don't change.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As he broods over isolation and disappointment, the band swells behind him with chiming percussion, hovering pedal steel guitar, shimmering vibraphone and perhaps even a touch of funk guitar, all promising wordless companionship and solace.

The New York Times

As he broods over isolation and disappointment, the band swells behind him with chiming percussion, hovering pedal steel guitar, shimmering vibraphone and perhaps even a touch of funk guitar, all of it promising wordless companionship and solace.

The New York Times

A hint of solace for savvy negotiators.

Forbes

Now, Republicans may find solace in a formula that relies instead on softened rhetoric, aggressive voter outreach, a touch of Spanish speaking, and support for only piecemeal elements of immigration reform.

Huffington Post

"A touch of a roadhouse.

The New York Times - Magazine

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 class.

The Guardian - Sport

"A touch of period".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touch of solace" to subtly introduce a comforting element into a situation that is otherwise difficult or distressing. It suggests a small, but noticeable, amount of relief or consolation.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of solace" when a situation requires significant comfort or resolution. This phrase implies only a minimal degree of relief, and using it inappropriately can downplay the seriousness of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of solace" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the presence of a small amount of comfort or relief.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a touch of solace" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, albeit relatively rare. As pointed out by Ludwig, it is used to describe a small amount of comfort or consolation. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that you are aiming to describe a small amount of relief, using alternative phrases like "a hint of comfort" or "a bit of consolation" if appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of comfort

Substitutes "solace" with "comfort" and "touch" with "hint", both implying a small degree of relief.

a small measure of comfort

Replaces "touch" with "small measure", emphasizing the limited quantity of comfort.

a bit of consolation

Uses "consolation" instead of "solace", offering a slight variation in word choice while keeping the core meaning.

a whisper of comfort

Employs "whisper" to indicate a subtle or faint feeling of solace.

a tinge of relief

Replaces "solace" with "relief", focusing on the alleviation of distress.

a glimmer of peace

Shifts the focus to "peace" as the source of solace, suggesting a sense of tranquility.

a modicum of ease

Uses more formal terms like "modicum" and "ease" to convey a slight degree of comfort.

an iota of solace

Replaces touch with iota which emphasize the very small amount of solace.

a shade of comfort

Uses "shade" to depict a subtle or faint feeling of comfort

a trace of consolation

Emphasizes the minimal amount of consolation provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of solace" to describe a small amount of comfort or relief found in a difficult situation. For example, "After the bad news, the warm cup of tea offered "a touch of solace"".

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

You can use alternatives like "a hint of comfort", "a small measure of comfort", or "a bit of consolation depending on the context.

Is "a touch of solace" formal or informal?

"A touch of solace" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in written or slightly more elevated language.

What is the difference between "a touch of solace" and "a great deal of solace"?

"A touch of solace" implies a small amount of comfort, while "a great deal of solace" indicates a significant amount of comfort. The choice depends on the degree of relief you wish to convey.