have a touch of

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a touch of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has only a small amount of a certain quality or trait. For example: "The new restaurant has a touch of elegance to its décor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Maybe, like Tom, I have a touch of Alzheimer's.

The New Yorker

They can be sad, but often they have a touch of humor.

The New York Times

Some, like the "still life" winner below, have a touch of mocking humor.

The New York Times

This time it was Barnard's turn to have a touch of the vapours.

The Guardian

The anecdotes from the set have a touch of the bizarre.

The New York Times

All nature documentaries now have a touch of Lion King about them, in my view.

The Guardian - Film

Tricolor glazes are good, and even better if they have a touch of cobalt or turquoise.

The New York Times - Arts

But the circumstances of the latest charges against her have a touch of the absurd.

The New York Times

LaChapelle's pictures, of course, have a touch of madness about them.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Hofstra discussions of Mr. Anderson's work will have a touch of celebrity.

The New York Times

Doubles from £76 Not all chain hotels have a touch of the airport lounge about them.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a touch of" to subtly characterize something without exaggeration. It's useful for describing flavors, emotions, or stylistic elements in writing.

Common error

Avoid using "have a touch of" too frequently in close proximity within your writing. Overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and diminish the impact of your descriptions. Vary your language with synonyms or rephrase sentences to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a touch of" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a quality or characteristic present in a small degree. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a touch of" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a mild or subtle presence of a quality or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase allows for nuanced descriptions without strong assertions. When using "have a touch of", ensure it aligns with the subject's number (has/have) and avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a hint of

Suggests a subtle indication or trace of something, emphasizing delicacy.

exhibit a trace of

Indicates a small amount that reveals the presence of something, often implying something hidden.

display a tinge of

Implies a slight coloring or influence, particularly used for emotions or qualities.

reveal a glimmer of

Suggests a faint or momentary sign of something, highlighting its fleeting nature.

manifest a shade of

Similar to "tinge", but can also refer to a nuance or subtle difference in meaning or quality.

betray a suspicion of

Conveys a small amount of uncertainty or distrust.

smack of

Suggests a noticeable but often undesirable quality.

lean towards

Implies a tendency or inclination, rather than a distinct presence.

suggest a flavor of

Indicates a subtle characteristic or essence, often used metaphorically.

border on

Implies approaching a certain state or quality, without fully reaching it.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a touch of" to indicate that something possesses a small amount of a particular quality. For example, "The soup "has a touch of spice"" or "Her performance "had a touch of sadness"".

What are some alternatives to "have a touch of"?

Some alternatives include "possess a hint of", "exhibit a trace of", "display a tinge of", or "reveal a glimmer of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative implies a slightly different degree or type of presence.

Which is correct, "has a touch of" or "have a touch of"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has a touch of" for singular subjects (e.g., "The painting has a touch of blue"), and "have a touch of" when referring to plural subjects or when using "I" or "you" (e.g., "You "have a touch of genius"").

What's the difference between "have a touch of" and "have a hint of"?

"Have a touch of" and "have a hint of" are quite similar, but "have a hint of" often suggests something more subtle or elusive than "have a touch of". Both indicate a small quantity, but a "touch" can sometimes be more noticeable.