touch of irony

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch of irony" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe a situation or statement that contains a small amount of irony. Example: Despite all her efforts to avoid it, there was a touch of irony in the fact that the only job offer she received was from the company she had always wanted to work for.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The current argument has a touch of irony.

The New York Times

There was also a touch of irony about the incident.

The Guardian - Sport

"Darien's nice," he said, with only the slightest touch of irony.

The New York Times

He was a wonderful man, serious, but with a wryness and touch of irony.

Independent

With just a touch of irony, some media outlets called out the billionaire for his frugality.

The New York Times

And the ongoing touch of irony in the movie gave it a genuine sense of proportion.

The New York Times

In a touch of irony, that may instead precipitate Richter's departure from New York.

The New York Times - Sports

But," he reflects, with a touch of irony, "that was my entrance into the movie world".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The count introduced himself, with a touch of irony, as an "international man of culture" and made congenial small talk.

The Guardian - Travel

"I like the concept of transparency in these modern times," said Mr. Zucchelli with a touch of irony.

The New York Times

There is memorabilia on nearly every surface of the custom-designed building, but not a touch of irony.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "touch of irony" to add depth and nuance to your writing, creating a sense of knowingness or wry amusement for the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "touch of irony", as overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing seem overly cynical or predictable. Use sparingly for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of irony" primarily functions as a qualifier, modifying a statement or situation to indicate a subtle presence of irony. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "touch of irony" serves as a qualifier, denoting a subtle presence of irony in a situation or statement. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is frequently encountered in news and media, where it adds nuance and depth. While versatile, the phrase is best used sparingly to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "hint of sarcasm" or "shade of paradox" can provide variations in tone and emphasis. When using "touch of irony", remember that overuse can diminish its effect and subtlety is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint trace of irony

Emphasizes the subtlety and almost imperceptible level of irony.

undertone of wryness

Highlights the dry, understated humor associated with irony.

hint of sarcasm

Replaces irony with sarcasm, implying a more biting or cutting tone.

dash of sarcasm

Implies a smaller, less pronounced degree of sarcasm compared to "hint of sarcasm".

tinge of mockery

Emphasizes the mocking or derisive component of the irony.

shade of paradox

Focuses on the paradoxical nature of the situation, rather than the irony itself.

undertone of paradox

More subtly suggests the paradoxical nature compared to "shade of paradox".

whisper of contradiction

Underscores the contradictory nature of the situation, making the irony more subtle.

element of satire

Highlights the satirical aspect, suggesting a more deliberate use of irony for comedic or critical effect.

note of incongruity

Shifts the focus to the lack of harmony or compatibility in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch of irony" to describe situations where there's a subtle contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. For example, "There was a touch of irony in the fact that the fire station burned down".

What are some alternatives to "touch of irony"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of sarcasm", "shade of paradox", or "element of satire" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a touch of irony"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "touch of irony" follows standard English grammar rules as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "touch of irony" and "a sense of irony"?

"Touch of irony" suggests a slight or subtle presence of irony, while "a sense of irony" implies a broader awareness or appreciation of irony in a situation.