touch of exasperation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch of exasperation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight feeling of annoyance or frustration in a situation or response. Example: "She spoke with a touch of exasperation when explaining the same concept for the third time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I feel a familiar touch of exasperation.

The Guardian - Books

This could be irritating, she said with a touch of exasperation: "We're not glued together".

The New York Times - Arts

IT'S not about the iPod," James Chanos said, with just a touch of exasperation.

The New York Times - Tech

"This is reality, ma'am," he continues, his voice streaked with just a touch of exasperation.

The New York Times

"Some people have been writing that this is our tournament to lose," Auriemma said with a touch of exasperation.

The New York Times - Sports

Her friends and long-term admirers regarded this torrent of posthumous acclaim with a touch of exasperation.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"No," Markieff said with a hint of exasperation.

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried," he said with a hint of exasperation.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is simple," he said, betraying a hint of exasperation.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is interesting," notes Crystal, his usually cool delivery tinged suddenly with a hint of exasperation.

Independent

A hint of exasperation still wafts off the site — "I live in Amsterdam.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms if the intensity of frustration is high. "Outburst of exasperation" can describe a more noticeable reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of exasperation" when the situation warrants a stronger emotional description. Overusing this phrase can dilute the impact if the character's feelings are more intense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of exasperation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object of a preposition (e.g., 'with a touch of exasperation'). It describes a mild degree of annoyance or frustration. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch of exasperation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a slight feeling of annoyance or frustration. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in English and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "hint of annoyance" or "trace of irritation" exist, "touch of exasperation" provides a specific nuance that can enrich descriptions of emotional states. When writing, be mindful of the subtlety of the phrase and ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of annoyance

Replaces "exasperation" with "annoyance", suggesting a milder form of frustration.

trace of irritation

Uses "irritation" instead of "exasperation", implying a slightly less intense feeling of annoyance.

shade of frustration

Substitutes "exasperation" with "frustration", indicating a similar emotional state with a different nuance.

air of vexation

Employs "vexation" to convey a state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried.

element of impatience

Replaces "exasperation" with "impatience", focusing on the feeling of being restless or eager.

tinge of aggravation

Uses "aggravation" to denote a feeling of being made worse or more severe, not necessarily a strong reaction.

degree of pique

Uses "pique", which suggests a more fleeting feeling of offense or wounded pride.

note of weariness

Instead of focusing on the frustration, emphasizes the tiredness associated with the situation.

whiff of resentment

Indicates a slight feeling of bitterness or indignation, rather than simple frustration.

sign of discontent

Broadly expresses unhappiness or dissatisfaction, which may stem from exasperation.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch of exasperation" to describe a mild feeling of annoyance or frustration, as in, "She replied with a "touch of exasperation" when asked the same question repeatedly".

What are some alternatives to "touch of exasperation"?

Alternatives include "hint of annoyance", "trace of irritation", or "shade of frustration", depending on the context and the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

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

Yes, "touch of exasperation" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing subtle emotional states. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

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

"Touch of exasperation" implies a slight or mild feeling, while "feeling of exasperation" suggests a more noticeable and pronounced emotion. The choice depends on the degree of frustration you wish to convey.