touch of humanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch of humanity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a gesture or action that displays compassion and kindness towards others. For example, "I was so impressed when the CEO reached out to the laid off workers with a real touch of humanity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Vice

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

This touch of humanity works.

The Guardian - Opinion

Would DayZ benefit from a touch of humanity?

The Guardian - Tech

Denis Lawson gives the film a touch of humanity and class as Ferris's weary dad.

The Guardian - Film

It was much more polished than some of his speeches, and also contained an unexpected touch of humanity.

The New Yorker

The only touch of humanity was the decoration in the truckers' cabs - leopard skin seats and curtain tassels.

The Guardian

Truly, Mr. Rodriguez made a difference not only in the tenants' lives but for all of us who need that touch of humanity each day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There are welcome touches of humanity in the supporting performances of Mark Blum as Paul's long-suffering partner; Ms. Braga as Judge Acosta's dedicated wife; and Howard Jerome as Paul's shadowy friend Leo.

The New York Times

The gargantuan Olympic Park, seven square kilometers of solidly-constructed athletic infrastructure and commercial pavilions, lacked touches of humanity.

Huffington Post

After The Co-Optimists disbanded in 1927, Holloway played at the London Hippodrome in Vincent Youmans's musical comedy Hit the Deck as Bill Smith, a performance judged by The Times to be "invested with many shrewd touches of humanity".

Wikipedia

These are tracks with a dancefloor-ready function, held together by threads of melancholy and soul deft touches of humanity and melody that elevate their work above the status of nightclub tools.

Vice

If this story has touched you, I hope you'll accept this challenge to bring a touch of simple humanity to the world today, this week, or this coming year.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch of humanity" to describe actions or gestures that demonstrate compassion and understanding, particularly in situations where these qualities might be unexpected or lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of humanity" in overly sentimental or melodramatic situations, as it can come across as insincere or cliché. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to convey genuine emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of humanity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a small but significant amount of compassion, kindness, or empathy exhibited in a particular situation or by a specific individual. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Vice

13%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "touch of humanity" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that expresses the presence of compassion, empathy, or kindness in a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in News & Media sources. While it is considered appropriate in various contexts, it's important to avoid overuse in overly sentimental situations. Alternatives such as "human element" or "act of kindness" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Therefore, using "touch of humanity" effectively requires careful consideration of the context and audience to ensure the message conveys genuine emotion and empathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human element

Focuses on the presence of human qualities or considerations, emphasizing the emotional and personal aspect.

act of kindness

Highlights a specific action demonstrating goodwill and compassion.

display of compassion

Emphasizes the outward expression of empathy and care.

gesture of goodwill

Indicates a friendly or helpful action intended to create positive feelings.

humane quality

Refers to the presence of characteristics associated with kindness, empathy, and moral consideration.

sign of empathy

Highlights an indication of understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

element of compassion

Emphasizes the inclusion of empathetic feelings and understanding in a situation.

human kindness

Highlights the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

bit of humaneness

Indicates a small amount of compassion or consideration for others.

trace of empathy

Suggests a minimal but noticeable presence of understanding and shared feelings.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch of humanity" to describe actions or gestures that demonstrate compassion, kindness, or empathy, such as "The volunteer's work provided a much-needed touch of humanity to the lives of the refugees".

What are some alternatives to "touch of humanity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "human element", "act of kindness", or "display of compassion", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

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

Yes, "touch of humanity" can be appropriate in formal writing when describing compassionate actions or qualities. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What does it mean when someone says there is a "shortage of humanity"?

A "shortage of humanity" implies a lack of compassion, empathy, or ethical consideration in a particular situation or among a group of people, suggesting a deficiency in moral or kind behavior.