stroke of a finger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stroke of a finger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done easily or effortlessly, often referring to touchscreens or similar technology. Example: "With just a stroke of a finger, she was able to unlock her phone and access her apps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Your lights, appliances, security system, curtains – if Nokia's vision is fulfilled – will be controlled with the stroke of a finger on your mobile phone.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Was that power worth more than each stroke of a child's fingers through their hair?

The New York Times - Magazine

"It shows you that anything is possible," he said afterward, the closest he has come here to acknowledging that the record is close, perhaps in his mind one last stroke and the touch of a finger away.

The New York Times - Sports

With that transformative stroke of his fingers ��� yielding a set of literal lines in the sand — Mr. Woodland, who died on Sunday at 91, conceived the modern bar code.

The New York Times

The sullen strokes of a stiffly pointing finger, the frustrated, hammering fist, the tentative, tinkering notes that opened to a torrent as the feel of the machine returned to the hand — all of it was like a single line of type, a continuous sentence.

The New Yorker

As a kid who could barely muster enough coordination for one stroke of finger paint, nail-polish cheats were the kind of thing I dreamed about.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Susan Izett and Nahid Toubia write: "[T]he clitoris is held between the thumb and index finger, pulled out and amputated with one stroke of a sharp object".

Wikipedia

O for the wings of a Finger.

The New York Times

Fig. 10 Manufacturing of a finger.

ROBOMECH Journal

Activated with the flick of a finger.

BBC

Colour your drawing of a finger (optional).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stroke of a finger" to describe actions performed on touchscreens or with similar technologies, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use.

Common error

Avoid using "stroke of a finger" in contexts where it doesn't accurately reflect the action. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or cliché. Consider more specific terms like "tap", "swipe", or "touch" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stroke of a finger" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the means by which something is accomplished, emphasizing the ease and simplicity of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stroke of a finger" is a prepositional phrase denoting ease and simplicity, particularly in the context of touch-sensitive technology. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable, although relatively rare in occurrence. While it is suitable for neutral contexts like news articles, it avoids highly formal or technical writing. Related phrases include ""tap of a finger"" and "touch of a finger", offering similar connotations with minor variations in emphasis. When employing the phrase, aim for clarity and precision, avoiding overuse to maintain impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tap of a finger

Replaces "stroke" with "tap", emphasizing the quick and light nature of the action.

touch of a finger

Replaces "stroke" with "touch", highlighting the act of making contact.

flick of a finger

Uses "flick" instead of "stroke", implying a quick, light movement.

swipe of a finger

Substitutes "stroke" with "swipe", suggesting a sliding motion.

press of a finger

Replaces "stroke" with "press", focusing on applying pressure.

with a finger's touch

Rephrases the original phrase to emphasize the gentleness and ease of the action.

at the touch of a finger

Changes the phrasing to highlight the responsiveness to a simple touch.

by a finger's motion

Emphasizes the movement of the finger rather than the contact itself.

with minimal effort

Expresses the ease implied by the original phrase but in a more general way.

with effortless ease

Focuses on the lack of difficulty or strain required for the action.

FAQs

What does "stroke of a finger" mean?

The phrase "stroke of a finger" typically refers to a simple, effortless action, often related to using a touchscreen device or similar technology. It implies ease and minimal effort.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "stroke of a finger"?

It's best to use "stroke of a finger" when you want to emphasize the simplicity and ease of performing an action, especially on devices with touch-sensitive interfaces. For example, "With just a "tap of a finger", you can unlock your phone".

What are some alternatives to "stroke of a finger"?

Some alternatives include ""tap of a finger"", "touch of a finger", or "flick of a finger". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "stroke of a finger" formal or informal?

The phrase "stroke of a finger" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in general descriptions than in highly technical writing. However, for very formal contexts, more precise language may be preferred.