touch of lethargy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch of lethargy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight feeling of sluggishness or lack of energy. Example: "After a long week of work, I felt a touch of lethargy creeping in as I tried to enjoy my weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Voluntary amnesia with a touch of lethargy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There was more than a hint of lethargy about Spain in the opening exchanges.

BBC

There was history of lethargy, feeling tired and cold chills.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Or the opposite, hypo-arousal: a state of lethargy, a feeling of unreality.

The Guardian

After months of lethargy and holiday indulgences, we are feeling anxious to be active again.

Huffington Post

What will kick people out of lethargy?

The Guardian

There's a kind of lethargy instead.

The New York Times

Years of lethargy, caprice, and bureaucratic swordplay ensued.

The New Yorker

He accused members of lethargy and "foot dragging".

The New York Times

Just as bad, she said, were the related bouts of lethargy and depression.

The New York Times

Not surprisingly, then, an air of lethargy hung over some departments today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "touch of lethargy", ensure the context clarifies that it's a mild and temporary state, not a chronic condition. This phrase is best used to describe a passing feeling of sluggishness.

Common error

Avoid using "touch of lethargy" to describe severe or prolonged fatigue. This phrase implies a mild and transient feeling, so using it in contexts of chronic exhaustion is misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch of lethargy" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a mild sensation or experience of being sluggish or lacking energy. As Ludwig AI says, it describes "a slight feeling of sluggishness or lack of energy."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch of lethargy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a mild and temporary feeling of sluggishness or reduced energy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts like news, science and wiki sources. When using "touch of lethargy", ensure it accurately reflects a mild, passing state, and consider synonyms like "hint of fatigue" or "slight weariness" for variety. Although "touch of lethargy" is correct, be mindful of potentially overstating the severity of a situation when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of fatigue

Replaces "touch of lethargy" with a more direct expression of tiredness. It is less evocative but equally understandable.

slight weariness

Substitutes "lethargy" with "weariness" to describe a mild state of being tired. Retains similar meaning but sounds more literary.

trace of sluggishness

Uses "sluggishness" instead of "lethargy", highlighting the feeling of being slow or inactive. Slightly less common but maintains the intended sense.

degree of inactivity

Focuses on the lack of activity associated with lethargy. It's a more clinical or detached way of expressing the same idea.

shade of apathy

Shifts the focus to a lack of motivation or enthusiasm rather than physical slowness. Suitable when lethargy is more mental than physical.

whiff of languor

Replaces "lethargy" with "languor", suggesting a pleasant kind of tiredness or relaxation. Context is important as this can be positive.

sense of listlessness

Highlights the feeling of being without energy or enthusiasm. "Listlessness" captures the mental aspect of lethargy.

inkling of torpor

Uses "torpor" to indicate a state of inactivity, possibly physical or mental. It is a more formal and less common term.

faint inertia

Focuses on the resistance to change or action associated with lethargy. Inertia suggests a lack of movement or progress.

touch of passivity

Emphasizes the lack of active engagement or response, suggesting a willingness to accept things without resistance or initiative.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch of lethargy" to describe a slight feeling of tiredness or lack of energy, as in "After a big meal, I felt a "touch of lethargy" creep in".

What's a good alternative to "touch of lethargy"?

Alternatives to "touch of lethargy" include "hint of fatigue", "slight weariness", or "trace of sluggishness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "touch of lethargy" formal or informal?

"Touch of lethargy" is generally considered neutral in tone. It's suitable for both informal and somewhat formal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from a synonym like "slight weariness".

What causes a "touch of lethargy"?

A "touch of lethargy" can be caused by various factors such as lack of sleep, overeating, changes in the weather, or simply a temporary dip in energy levels. If persistent, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.