an extra touch

USAGE SUMMARY

"an extra touch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an additional feature or element that is added to a situation or thing to make it more interesting, special, or unique. For example: "She added an extra touch to her outfit by wearing a set of pearl earrings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Simple and seductive, with an extra touch of showmanship.

The New York Times - Sports

Walcott should have just thumped it home, but instead wants an extra touch and loses control.

The Guardian - Sport

To give an extra touch of flavour, garam masala powder may be added at the end.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because orders to be delivered can easily come to $80 or $90, she added an extra touch.

The New York Times

(For an extra touch of decaying grandeur, the movie was actually shot in Asbury Park, New Jersey).

The New Yorker

The British artist Matthew Killick added an extra touch with his underwater pattern, which Mr. Mouret called "a symbol of summer".

The New York Times

It seemed like a relatively straightforward finish but Rooney took an extra touch because that was what Van Gaal had drummed into his players.

The Guardian - Sport

Just to add an extra touch of uncertainty, the Notes icon (below and to the left of the Email one) is in just the same yellow.

The Guardian - Tech

The island also has a 13th-century baroque palace, which adds an extra touch of magic to the already ostentatious isle.

The Guardian - Travel

Howard and his opposite number, Stephen McPhail, are two genuine playmaking left-footed No 10s, which added an extra touch of tradition.

The Guardian - Sport

And, amusingly, that screeching white cockatoo, which isn't in the script of "Kane" but appeared out of nowhere in the movie to provide an extra "touch," is a regular member of Lorre's household.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extra touch" to describe something that enhances or elevates an existing element, adding a unique or special quality. For example, "She added an extra touch of elegance to the room with a vase of fresh flowers."

Common error

Avoid using "an extra touch" when the addition is already inherently implied. For example, instead of saying "Adding an extra touch of more detail," simply say "Adding more detail" to prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra touch" functions as a noun phrase that acts as an object or complement within a sentence. It typically describes something that enhances or improves another element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to refer to an additional feature or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extra touch" is a versatile phrase used to describe something added to enhance or improve an existing element. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It is grammatically sound and frequently employed, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it adds meaningful information and doesn't become redundant. For alternative expressions, consider options like "a special addition" or "a finishing element". By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "an extra touch" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a special addition

Focuses on the uniqueness and value of what's added.

a finishing element

Emphasizes that the addition completes or perfects something.

a supplementary detail

Highlights the added detail as being supportive or enhancing.

a subtle enhancement

Implies the addition is delicate and refines the original.

an added flair

Suggests the addition brings style and attractiveness.

a touch of refinement

Highlights the improvement in elegance and sophistication.

an embellishing feature

Focuses on the decorative and ornamental nature of the addition.

a complementary aspect

Suggests the addition works well with the existing elements.

a distinctive characteristic

Highlights how the addition makes something stand out.

an accentuating detail

Implies the addition emphasizes or draws attention to something.

FAQs

How can I use "an extra touch" in a sentence?

Use "an extra touch" to describe adding something that enhances the quality or appeal of something else. For example, "He added "an extra touch of humor" to his speech to make it more engaging."

What are some alternatives to "an extra touch"?

Alternatives include "a special addition", "a finishing element", or "a subtle enhancement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each offers a slightly different shade of meaning compared to "an extra touch".

Is "an extra touch" formal or informal?

"An extra touch" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Can "an extra touch" be used in technical writing?

Yes, it can be used as long as it's appropriate for the context. For example, "The engineer added "an extra touch of precision" to the design to ensure optimal performance."