add a touch of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "add a touch of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express adding a small amount of something to make something more pleasant or attractive. For example: "I decided to add a touch of parsley to the salad to give it some fresh flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Food & Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I add a touch of the romantic".

The New York Times - Style

I would even add a touch of Weegee.

The New Yorker

Add a touch of olive oil to loosen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(It does, however, add a touch of freshness).

The New York Times - Food

With, dare I add, a touch of humor?

The New York Times - Food

Now and then, lyrics add a touch of politics.

The New York Times

And add a touch of play in your socks.

The New York Times

Unfamiliar sounds, a barn owl and "winking, blinking fireflies" add a touch of mystery.

The New York Times - Books

He did add a touch of skepticism, saying: "Are there those who have issues with it?

The New York Times

To add a touch of reality television drama, the Pro Bowl needs a redemption story line.

The New York Times - Sports

Coming in a little too quickly, so add a touch of flaps.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "add a touch of", ensure the addition genuinely enhances the base element. Avoid adding it gratuitously; the touch should serve a purpose, such as improving flavor, adding visual appeal, or subtly altering the mood.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the effect of the "touch". The phrase implies subtlety; using it to describe a significant change can undermine your credibility. Be mindful of the scale and impact of the addition you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "add a touch of" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate the act of introducing a small, almost imperceptible amount of something to enhance or modify another element. Ludwig shows that it's commonly used to subtly improve flavors, appearances, or atmospheres.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

32%

Food & Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "add a touch of" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of subtly enhancing something, whether it's the flavor of a dish, the ambiance of a room, or the style of an outfit. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in wiki articles and food and lifestyle content, indicating its broad applicability across different contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the addition genuinely refines the base element and that you don't overstate the impact of the "touch". Overall, "add a touch of" is a valuable phrase for writers looking to convey a sense of subtle improvement or enhancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

include a hint of

Replaces "touch" with "hint", emphasizing a subtle addition.

incorporate a dash of

Uses "dash" instead of "touch", implying a small quantity.

introduce a trace of

Substitutes "touch" with "trace", highlighting a minimal presence.

infuse a whisper of

Employs "whisper" to denote an almost imperceptible amount.

lend a shade of

Uses "shade" to suggest adding a subtle color or quality.

apply a smattering of

Replaces "touch" with "smattering", indicating a scattering or sprinkling.

instill a glimmer of

Uses "glimmer" to imply a faint or fleeting addition.

mix in a speck of

Substitutes "touch" with "speck", denoting a tiny particle or amount.

garnish with a suspicion of

Employs "suspicion" to suggest a very small or questionable addition.

season with a note of

Uses "note" to imply a subtle flavor or characteristic.

FAQs

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

You can use "add a touch of" to describe subtly enhancing something, for example: "I like to "add a touch of" lemon to my tea", or "She decided to "add a touch of" glamour to her outfit with a pearl necklace".

What's a more formal way to say "add a touch of"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "incorporate a hint of", "introduce a trace of", or "infuse a whisper of".

Is it always necessary to quantify what "add a touch of" is referring to?

While not strictly necessary, specifying what you are adding (e.g., ""add a touch of" salt", ""add a touch of" color") provides clarity and strengthens the imagery.

How does "add a touch of" differ from "add a lot of"?

"Add a touch of" implies a small, subtle addition for refinement, whereas "add a lot of" suggests a significant quantity that substantially changes the original element.