there is a softness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is a softness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a quality or characteristic of something that is gentle, tender, or not harsh. Example: "In her voice, there is a softness that immediately puts everyone at ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Daguerrotypes, as they came to be called, made small, shiny pictures: in the salt print there is a softness in the interplay of light and shade that almost seems to anticipate Impressionism.This show makes very clear that photography's earliest practitioners appreciated the artistic possibilities of the new medium.

The Economist

There is a softness.

The New York Times - Food

There is a softness to it, I think.

The New York Times

I think there is a softness and vulnerability to them".

The Guardian - Arts

"There is a softness about the Egyptian physique, though, a fluidity to their movement".

The New York Times

There is a softness to this ivory sect, I'd like to believe they share our quest for spiritual transcendence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Apparently there's a softness about this media giant.

The New York Times

"There was a softness that was missing in me," she said.

The New York Times

"There was a softness to it that in my memory got even softer," she said.

The New Yorker

They loved Elvis, too, but there was a softness in him, a kind of beauty the men did not understand.

The Guardian - Music

"But there's a softness to it now that I think only highlights the brutality of what happens".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like emotions or atmospheres, using the phrase "there is a softness" can add a nuanced layer of understanding. For instance, describing "there is a softness in her gaze" conveys more than simply saying she looks kind.

Common error

Avoid using "there is a softness" in technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. Instead, opt for more concrete and measurable terms that clearly define the property you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is a softness" primarily functions as an existential clause used to introduce the presence of a gentle or tender quality. It asserts the existence of "softness" as a characteristic or attribute of something, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is a softness" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys the presence of a gentle or tender quality. While not overly common, it finds appropriate use in describing sensory experiences, emotional states, or atmospheric qualities, as validated by Ludwig. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is primarily encountered in News & Media. When writing, be mindful of avoiding overuse in technical contexts and consider alternatives when greater precision is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's a subtle tenderness

Adds "subtle" to emphasize the understated nature of the tenderness.

a gentle quality exists

Replaces "softness" with "gentle quality" and rephrases the existence.

a tender aspect is present

Substitutes "softness" with "tender aspect" and uses "is present" to denote existence.

it possesses a delicate touch

Focuses on the "delicate touch" as a representation of softness, altering the sentence structure.

gentleness can be found

Emphasizes the capability of finding gentleness, transforming the original statement.

a mildness is apparent

Replaces "softness" with "mildness", highlighting a less intense version of gentleness.

one detects a certain yielding

Shifts focus to the act of "yielding", implying a lack of resistance or harshness.

a velvety texture is noticeable

Uses "velvety texture" to describe the quality of softness, changing the sensory focus.

an absence of severity exists

Presents the concept from a negative perspective, focusing on the lack of harshness.

a comforting presence is felt

Shifts the emphasis to the emotional impact of the softness, focusing on comfort.

FAQs

How can I use "there is a softness" in a sentence?

Use "there is a softness" to describe a gentle or tender quality. For example, "There is a softness to the light in the painting", or "There is a softness in her voice when she speaks to children".

What are some alternatives to "there is a softness"?

You can use alternatives like "there exists a gentleness", "one can sense a tenderness", or "it possesses a delicate touch" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "there is a softness"?

Yes, "there is a softness" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a gentle or tender quality.

In what contexts is "there is a softness" most appropriate?

The phrase "there is a softness" is suitable for describing sensory experiences (like light or texture), emotional qualities (like kindness or empathy), or abstract concepts where a gentle quality is present.