touch of concern

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch of concern" is a perfectly valid phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to imply that someone is showing some kind of worry or anxiety. For example: "She had a touch of concern in her voice as she asked about his well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Still plenty of time, but there's room for a touch of concern.

The New York Times

Ms. Dacus, as usual, seemed content and levelheaded, with a touch of concern.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Rampling's bringing that icy, enigmatic quality with a touch of maternal concern to her latest role as Dr. Evelyn Vogel on the final season of Showtime's "Dexter".

Los Angeles Times

I subsequently received touching messages of concern about my well-being from various friends and colleagues.

Huffington Post

Ms. Woodall's most concrete touch of U concerns not her clothes -- which, unlike her words, exist only to flatter -- but the ring on her finger.

The New York Times - Style

But we also begin to need something more than that: a touch of empathy and concern as the people we don't care about and don't notice pass right down the bus, please.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every decision that touches on issues of concern to Europe is considered a test of the government's will.

The New York Times

The couple's detention has touched off a wave of concern about investigators who conduct research on companies in China on behalf of investors.

The New York Times

When the president's top economist suggests, even hypothetically, considering hamburger-flipping a form of manufacturing, it's a golden opportunity to accuse the White House of being out of touch with the concerns of working Americans.

The New York Times

Far-right populist leaders have stoked public anxieties and resurgent nationalism by lashing out against immigrants, while portraying the European capital, Brussels, as a bastion of political elites out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people.

The New York Times

But he touched on the Labour theme of the Conservatives' being out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people by saying that Conservative plans to cut government spending risk plunging the economy back into recession just as it begins to grow again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch of concern" to subtly indicate worry, avoiding stronger words like "anxiety" or "fear" when the situation doesn't warrant them. This is useful for nuanced writing.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of concern" repeatedly in a short span. The subtlety of the phrase can lose its impact if overused. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of concern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a mild degree of worry or anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch of concern" is a valid and grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a mild degree of worry or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while the phrase appears somewhat infrequently, it is found primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the subtle nature of the phrase and use it when you want to convey worry without being overly dramatic. Alternative phrases like "slight worry" or "hint of anxiety" can provide similar nuances. Be mindful of overuse to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight worry

Focuses on the feeling of worry, minimizing the intensity.

hint of anxiety

Emphasizes anxiety as a subtle element.

trace of apprehension

Highlights a barely perceptible amount of apprehension.

shade of unease

Implies a vague and subtle feeling of unease.

mild disquiet

Suggests a gentle disturbance in someone's composure.

faint alarm

Highlights a slight feeling of sudden fear or anxiety.

fleeting worry

Emphasizes the short duration of the worry.

small fear

Directly addresses the fear element, minimizing its size.

iota of care

Highlights the care element, minimizing its amount

whisper of misgiving

Implies a barely audible feeling of doubt or apprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch of concern" to describe a slight worry or anxiety someone is feeling or showing. For example, "She had a "touch of concern" in her voice when she spoke about the upcoming deadline."

What are some alternatives to "touch of concern"?

Some alternatives include "slight worry", "hint of anxiety", or "mild disquiet". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "touch of concern" formal or informal?

"Touch of concern" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's appropriate for most writing contexts, but more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly academic or professional settings.

What's the difference between "touch of concern" and "deep concern"?

"Touch of concern" indicates a mild worry or anxiety, while "deep concern" implies a much more significant and serious worry. Use "touch of concern" when you want to convey a subtle feeling, and "deep concern" when the situation warrants a stronger emotion.