touch the emotions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch the emotions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that evokes feelings or sentiments in a person, such as a story, song, or artwork. Example: "The film was so powerful that it truly touched the emotions of everyone in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The answer lies in music's peculiar ability to touch the emotions, particularly sadness and a sense of loss.

The Guardian - Music

Yet I believe we underestimate the potency of our emotional response, and Beaujolais was a good opportunity to discuss this because it seems to touch the emotions directly.

The New York Times - Food

People don't preserve the giant panda or tiger because these animals represent biodiversity but because they touch the emotions.

Forbes

When I saw my first stage play being performed by people who didn't look like me, I realized that I could touch the emotions of people of different backgrounds.

Forbes

The subjects are so diverse, there will be something to touch the emotions of anyone who reads the book, said Ricki Mandeville, Buckley's friend and editor.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

You should by all rights be happy, but you can't even touch the emotion of happiness -- the black cloud that hangs over consumes you.

Huffington Post

Other products have also succeeded in touching the emotions.

The Economist

In keeping with the rest of this impressive work, the ending is unexpected but satisfying, touching the emotions without insulting the brain.

The New York Times

"The enemy had not only made it through the door, he'd sat with you on the sofa, sat at your table over dinner, shared stories from a false past and touched the emotions of the family".

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes the story stimulates the intellect and sometimes it touches the emotions.

TechCrunch

The touching, the emotion, the germs.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch the emotions" when you want to emphasize a direct and immediate emotional impact. This phrase works well when describing art, music, or personal experiences that deeply resonate with people.

Common error

Avoid using "touch the emotions" too frequently, as it can diminish the impact. Instead, vary your vocabulary by using more specific emotional descriptors or related phrases like "stir feelings" or "evoke emotions" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch the emotions" functions as a verb phrase, where 'touch' acts as a transitive verb taking 'the emotions' as its direct object. It describes the action of something affecting someone's feelings, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch the emotions" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the act of evoking feelings or sentiments. While not overly common, it is used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "arouse sentiment". When using "touch the emotions", ensure you don't overuse it and that you are precise in describing the emotional impact. The best practice is to use the phrase when emphasizing a direct and immediate emotional impact from art, music, or personal experiences that deeply resonate with people. This phrase should be used mindfully in order not to lose its intended effect on your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke emotions

Focuses on the act of bringing emotions to the surface.

stir feelings

Emphasizes the arousal of feelings that may have been dormant.

elicit emotions

Highlights the act of drawing out a specific emotional response.

arouse sentiment

More formal, emphasizing the creation of tender or nostalgic feelings.

resonate emotionally

Focuses on the connection and deep understanding of emotions.

strike a chord

Idiomatic, suggesting a familiar or sympathetic emotional response.

move emotionally

Highlights the impact on someone's emotional state, causing a shift in feelings.

affect emotionally

A more general term for influencing someone's emotional state.

inspire feelings

Highlights the act of prompting feelings through inspiration.

tug at the heartstrings

Idiomatic, suggesting a deliberate attempt to evoke sadness or pity.

FAQs

What does it mean to "touch the emotions"?

To "touch the emotions" means to evoke feelings or sentiments in someone, often in a profound or meaningful way. It suggests a direct and noticeable emotional impact.

How can I use "touch the emotions" in a sentence?

You can use "touch the emotions" to describe art, music, or personal experiences. For example: "The film was so powerful that it truly "touched the emotions" of everyone in the audience."

What are some alternatives to "touch the emotions"?

You can use alternatives like "evoke emotions", "stir feelings", or "elicit emotions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "touch the emotions" formal or informal?

"Touch the emotions" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "arouse sentiment" for a more sophisticated tone.