a touch of support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touch of support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of assistance or encouragement provided to someone. Example: "During the meeting, she offered a touch of support to her colleagues, reminding them that they were not alone in their challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The film will further spread Lou's message of inspiration -- and when my sons need an extra touch of support, I repeat what my Unbroken champion said: "Keep at it my boy.

Huffington Post

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

Brendan O'Carroll, creator and star of the hit BBC1 comedy Mrs Brown's Boys, has filmed a playful video calling on Irish voters to support same-sex marriage in Ireland at the referendum on 22 May, with Mrs Brown sending a touching message of support to parents of gay children.

The Guardian

Sam Neill adds a touch of careless class to a hokey supporting role.

The Guardian - Film

From steep Monfumo, widely considered the best vineyard site in the Asolo DOCG area and once nearly completely planted with native variety and Prosecco wine component Bianchetta Trevigiana, this is Prosecco's sharp focused side showcased: all apple, pear, pith, acidity like just-ripe lemon juice, supported by a touch of residual sugar (4 grams) that also lends a pretty roundness.

Forbes

House Republicans blocked consideration of the bill that passed the Senate this year, saying it amounted to an amnesty for lawbreakers and voicing confidence that a tough stance would touch off a groundswell of support in the Congressional elections.

The New York Times

"But right now the public is ready even the most lay person can use a mouse".Another factor that has held back touch screens is a lack of support for the technology in operating systems.

The Economist

The actual legislation amending the Constitution, though, makes no mention of jobs, schools or taxes, though the positive economic impacts of casinos were touched on in a memorandum of support written by its sponsors.

The New York Times

The news touched off an outpouring of support.

The New York Times

It was a touching vignette of matriarchal support.

Huffington Post

The lowlights came from the Chelsea fans who thought it proper to boo United defender Rio Ferdinand's every touch in an odd show of support for the Blues' injured captain, John Terry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a touch of support", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific type of assistance or encouragement being offered. For example, specify whether it's emotional support, financial aid, or practical help.

Common error

Avoid using "a touch of support" when the situation requires substantial assistance. This phrase implies a minor contribution, so using it for significant support can be misleading and undermine the actual effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touch of support" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a small amount of assistance or encouragement.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

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0%

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a touch of support" signifies a small amount of aid or encouragement. While it's considered grammatically correct, its frequency is currently limited, according to Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object in a sentence, and holds a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, each with subtle differences in emphasis and intensity. Using the phrase appropriately involves ensuring the level of support aligns with the situation and avoiding overstatement. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase, though valid, lacks substantial representation in the current dataset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight assistance

Replaces "touch" with "slight" emphasizing the low quantity of help.

a shade of assistance

Replaces "touch" with "shade" to emphasize the low quantity of help and "support" with "assistance" to change word choice.

a hint of assistance

Replaces "touch" with "hint" and "support" with "assistance", softening the intensity of the aid offered.

a small measure of aid

Replaces "touch" with "small measure" to specify quantity and "support" with "aid" to change word choice.

a degree of encouragement

Substitutes "touch" with "degree" and "support" with "encouragement", emphasizing the emotional aspect of the help.

mild encouragement

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of the help, while lowering the intensity.

a bit of help

Uses more informal terms like "bit" and "help" to convey a simpler, more casual offering of assistance.

a little encouragement

Uses informal terms like "little" while focusing on the encouragement aspect.

minimal backing

Emphasizes the aspect of approval and endorsement, rather than direct aid.

a suggestion of help

Focuses on the advisory aspect of assistance.

FAQs

What does "a touch of support" mean?

The phrase "a touch of support" means a small amount of help, encouragement, or assistance given to someone.

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

You might say, "She offered "a touch of support" by listening to her friend's problems".

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

You can use alternatives like "a hint of assistance", "a degree of encouragement", or "slight assistance" depending on the context.

Is "a touch of support" formal or informal?

The phrase "a touch of support" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to be more common in general writing than in highly formal documents.