a touch of spice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of spice" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is made more interesting or appealing with the addition of something small or subtle. For example, "This bland soup needs a touch of spice to make it more flavourful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Wine tasting

Figurative language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Evening brought a touch of spice.

The Guardian - Music

Gastronomically speaking, adding a touch of spice to your daily meal has well-established advantages.

Independent

However simple you choose to keep your filling, a touch of spice is non-negotiable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Dutch favor a touch of spice in their food -- Indonesian and Surinamese dishes are popular.

The New York Times

Sweet, succulent, with a touch of spice, these are shipped fresh, not frozen.

The New York Times - Food

Its saltiness is perfect for seasoning chocolate, as is a touch of spice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They would mix that with sugar and maybe a touch of the spice, and that grog they called their punch".

The New York Times

Although a little nutmeg is traditional in Italian recipes, I wanted to add a touch of Asian spice, too.

The New York Times - Food

Butternut squash soup, which can be fat and bland, comes alive with a touch of curry spice, the bitterness of crispy shallots and the sour astringency of goat cheese.

The New York Times - Food

On "Paganini: After a Dream," Ms. Carter plays warmly burnished versions of such classical staples as Fauré's "Après un rêve" and "Pavane," Debussy's "Rêverie" and Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante défunte" (with Luiz Bonfá's "Manha de Carnaval" and Astor Piazzolla's "Oblivion" to add a touch of equatorial spice), accompanied by a string section.

The New York Times - Arts

If the dish has a touch of Asian spicing – like crispy duck and pancakes – I'd go for a lusher pinot like the Hahn Estate Pinot Noir 2010 (£12.99, Corks Out, Ocado, and £13.99 from Wine Rack, which still has some of the very attractive 2007 vintage; 14.5% abv), an unusually well-priced pinot from Monterey in California.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a touch of spice" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being enhanced. Is it flavor, excitement, or some other quality?

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of spice" in overly predictable or cliché situations. Strive for fresh and original descriptions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of spice" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It signifies a subtle addition or enhancement that elevates the quality or interest of something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

20%

Food

15%

Less common in

Sports

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a touch of spice" is a versatile expression used to denote the addition of something subtle yet enhancing. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and food-related content. While versatile, it's best used in original, non-clichéd ways. Consider alternatives like "a hint of seasoning" or "a dash of zest" for greater precision. With an expert rating of 4.5, it reflects a consistent usage pattern across authoritative sources, making it a reliable and effective phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of seasoning

Focuses on the addition of flavor enhancers, particularly in a culinary context.

a dash of zest

Implies adding liveliness or excitement, not necessarily limited to food.

a pinch of piquancy

Emphasizes a slightly sharp or stimulating quality.

a sprinkle of flavor

Highlights the addition of taste and character.

a whisper of heat

Suggests a mild level of spiciness.

a suggestion of spice

Emphasizes the subtlety of the spice element.

a nuance of spice

Highlights the subtle or delicate quality of the spice.

a glimmer of spice

This alternative can be used more figuratively to convey a minimal presence of something.

a whiff of spice

Emphasizes the aroma aspect of the spice.

a measure of spice

This alternative can be used more figuratively to convey the degree or amount of spice used.

FAQs

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

You can use "a touch of spice" to describe food, experiences, or even personalities that have been enhanced with something extra. For example, "The movie needed "a touch of spice" to make it more interesting".

What's a good alternative to "a touch of spice"?

Depending on the context, you could use "a hint of seasoning", "a dash of zest", or "a pinch of piquancy".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a touch of spice"?

Yes, "a touch of spice" is grammatically correct. It's a common idiom used to describe the addition of something subtle but impactful.

What does "a touch of spice" usually refer to?

"A touch of spice" usually refers to something that adds interest, excitement, or flavor to something else, not always limited to culinary contexts. It could be "a dash of spice" in a relationship, "a pinch of spice" in a movie plot, etc.