scarcely touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been minimally affected or engaged with, often implying that it has not been given much attention or consideration. Example: "The topic of climate change was scarcely touched upon during the meeting, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Yet the disease scarcely touched them.

The New Yorker

Loughinisland had been scarcely touched by the Troubles.

The Guardian

The left hook didn't look particularly hard, and the right hand that followed scarcely touched Scott.

The New Yorker

But it has scarcely touched me, nor anyone else I know, directly.

The Economist

But getting rid of those two eyesores scarcely touched the problem.

Independent

But the topic was scarcely touched as the PM delivered his latest announcement on Iraq.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It will scarcely touch the sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

Midcentury Americans could scarcely touch a dial without hearing Miss Rio.

The New York Times - Arts

Love lifts them up so their feet scarcely touch the ground.

The Guardian

Ever bright as a button, his work scarcely touches on personal feeling, let alone real-world experience.

The New Yorker

One big reason is that the law scarcely touches Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Housing Administration — the government-run lenders that dominate the home loan market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data or research results, "scarcely touched" can effectively convey that certain aspects were not thoroughly investigated or altered.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely touched" if the subject has undergone substantial change or influence. The phrase indicates a minor effect, so ensure it aligns with the actual degree of alteration; otherwise, it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely touched" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the degree to which something has been affected. It indicates that the subject has experienced only minimal contact or influence. Ludwig confirms the usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcely touched" is a phrase used to describe something that has experienced minimal contact or impact. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to ensure the degree of impact aligns with the intended meaning. Consider alternatives such as "barely touched" or "hardly affected" to fine-tune your expression. Remember that while the phrase is widely accepted, using it inaccurately can mislead your audience about the actual degree of alteration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely touched

Focuses on the minimal degree of physical contact or effect.

scarcely affected

Focuses on the minimal level of impact or change experienced.

hardly affected

Emphasizes the lack of significant impact or influence.

slightly impacted

Highlights a small degree of influence or change.

minimally affected

Stresses that the effect was as small as possible.

lightly grazed

Suggests a gentle, glancing contact with little penetration.

virtually untouched

Emphasizes the near-complete absence of contact or modification.

remained pristine

Implies a complete lack of alteration, suggesting a perfect condition.

went unscathed

Highlights the avoidance of any harm or damage.

superficially affected

Indicates that only the surface was changed, with no deeper impact.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely touched" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcely touched" to describe something that has had minimal contact or impact. For example, "The issue of environmental regulations was "scarcely touched" during the debate."

What are some alternatives to "scarcely touched"?

Alternatives to "scarcely touched" include "barely touched", "hardly affected", or "slightly impacted", depending on the specific context.

What does "scarcely touched" imply?

"Scarcely touched" implies that something has experienced only a minimal amount of contact, influence, or alteration. It suggests a state close to being untouched or unaffected.

Is "scarcely touched" formal or informal?

"Scarcely touched" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.