touch of amusement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch of amusement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight or subtle feeling of amusement in a situation or expression. Example: "She had a touch of amusement in her eyes as she listened to his story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was 57 at the time of our visit; with more than a touch of amusement, he told me there were days when "I'll call some businessman, and I'll try to leave a message with his 21-year-old secretary, and she'll say, 'Wes Parker?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her physical beauty is breathtakingly showcased here, but she plays much of the action with a touch of self-amusement, as if she knows she too is wonderfully absurd.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of them might claim that aping the persona of a murdered man, using science for five minutes of amusement, is a touch trashy, but I personally find it hard to get butt-hurt when something is so fucking great.

Vice

His laughter held real amusement, warmth and a touch of irascibility.

The New York Times

Something like an amusement park with a touch of '80s Vegas, complete with pyramids and a Native American-themed pub, this family-friendly spot comes with sex-segregated spa areas, shared saunas, outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and more: picture nail salons, video arcades, an Internet cafe, even a cinema and putting green.

The New York Times - Travel

A low murmur of amusement reverberated.

The New York Times

In a third he declared that "only the most out-of-touch, metropolitan elite could regard the attack on our rural life and the desperate plight of our farmers as a source of amusement".

The Economist

Memories of amusement arcades in Rhyl.

The Guardian - Arts

It was sort of amusement and affection.

The New Yorker

Walsh greeted reporters with a mix of amusement and irritation.

The New York Times - Sports

(Cue uncertain frissons of amusement from her audience).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch of amusement" to convey a subtle, often understated, feeling of amusement, especially when describing someone's expression or reaction to a mildly humorous situation. It's ideal for adding nuance to character descriptions or narrative voice.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of amusement" to describe situations that evoke strong laughter or intense joy. This phrase is best suited for conveying a restrained or gentle amusement, not boisterous or overt reactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of amusement" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a subtle or mild feeling of being amused. It adds nuance to descriptions of expressions or reactions. As shown in Ludwig, it is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "touch of amusement" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a subtle feeling of amusement. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it adds a nuanced layer to character portrayals and descriptive narratives. For alternative expressions, consider "hint of amusement" or "trace of amusement", depending on the context. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with conveying a restrained rather than an intense amusement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of amusement

Emphasizes a subtle indication of amusement.

trace of amusement

Highlights a barely perceptible sign of amusement.

tinge of amusement

Suggests a slight coloring or influence of amusement.

shade of amusement

Implies a subtle variation or degree of amusement.

faint amusement

Indicates a weak or indistinct feeling of amusement.

slight amusement

Directly states a small degree of amusement.

element of amusement

Focuses on amusement as one component of a broader feeling or situation.

degree of amusement

Indicates the level or intensity of amusement.

sense of amusement

Refers to a general feeling or awareness of amusement.

air of amusement

Suggests an atmosphere or impression of amusement.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch of amusement" to describe a subtle feeling of amusement in someone's expression or reaction, like: "She had a "touch of amusement" in her eyes as she watched the children play."

What's a good substitute for "touch of amusement"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hint of amusement", "trace of amusement", or "slight amusement" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "touch of amusement" in formal writing?

Yes, "touch of amusement" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to convey a subtle and understated sense of amusement. It adds nuance without being overly informal.

What's the difference between "touch of amusement" and "feeling of amusement"?

"Touch of amusement" implies a more subtle and less intense feeling compared to a general "feeling of amusement". The former suggests a hint or trace, while the latter indicates a more noticeable emotion.