touched

USAGE SUMMARY

'touched' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical contact with something, or to indicate that someone's feelings have been affected by something. Example: His kind words touched her heart.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Lifestyle

Tech

Opinion

Business

Music

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He has led the Tories with exemplary skill and if, like me, you have been lucky enough to meet him – you know you have been touched by greatness.

The Guardian

The truck backed up until it touched the plane.

The Guardian

In a broad-brush speech, which frequently touched on the topic of freedom and Berliners' resilience, he could not fail to mention the concern felt across Europe about more modern-day encroachments on individual liberty, the recent revelations of internet surveillance and US drone warfare – issues which dominated his 25-hour visit to the German capital.

The Guardian

Rev. Sean Carroll, executive director of Kino Border Initiative, said student were very excited and very touched after receiving the letter from Francis.

The Guardian

The report touched on an issue that continues to divide scientific opinion – whether it is ethical to run a clinical trial in west Africa in which some people with Ebola get an experimental drug or vaccine, while others get a placebo.

The Guardian

From Stevie Nicks to Taylor Swift, there had been almost no major act from the last four decades that he had not somehow touched.

The Guardian - Books

I'm sorry to all of those hearts you touched.

The Guardian

One of the smartest things Microsoft has added is Continuum, which detects the state of the computer and presents the right interface depending on whether a keyboard and mouse is being used or the screen is being touched.

The Guardian - Tech

He touched on his past opposition to free-trade agreements, his support for heavier regulation of Wall Street and the nation's banking industry, and his vote against the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a preview of his campaign.

The Guardian

Surrounded by private security guards and accompanied by his 26-year old wife, Noor, Nadir touched down at Luton airport before sweeping into his new Mayfair base in London from where he promised to clear his name at the Old Bailey next month.

The Guardian - Business

The Longfords enjoyed an extraordinarily happy marriage, touched by tragedy with the death, in 1969, of their daughter Catherine in a car crash.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates whether "touched" refers to physical contact or an emotional state to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was touched by" when a more direct, active voice would be clearer and more impactful. For example, instead of "He was touched by her kindness", try "Her kindness touched him."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "touched" is as a past participle of the verb "touch", often used in the passive voice or as an adjective. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing physical contact and emotional impact. This aligns with Ludwig AI's analysis indicating its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sport

12%

Books

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Tech

2%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touched" is a versatile word with meanings ranging from physical contact to emotional impact. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is "Very common", primarily appearing in "News & Media" sources. When writing, consider the context to ensure clarity and select the most precise synonym to convey your intended meaning. Avoid overuse of the passive voice for stronger writing. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively use "touched" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affected

Implies being influenced or moved emotionally, similar to one sense of "touched".

moved

Indicates a strong emotional response, mirroring the emotional sense of "touched".

affected by

Specifically emphasizes the cause or agent of influence.

influenced

Broader term for having an effect on something, whether physically or emotionally.

impacted

Conveys a significant effect or influence, often with a sense of force.

contacted

Focuses on the act of making physical contact, a more literal meaning of "touched".

grazed

Implies a light or glancing touch.

came into contact with

More formal way of saying something made physical contact.

manipulated

Suggests handling or controlling something, often skillfully.

handled

Indicates dealing with something, either physically or figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "touched" in a sentence to describe emotional impact?

You can use "touched" to express that someone has been emotionally moved or affected by something. For example, "She was deeply touched by his generosity."

What are some alternative phrases for "touched" when describing physical contact?

Alternatives include "grazed", "contacted", or "came into contact with", depending on the specific type of contact you want to describe.

Is "touched" always appropriate for describing emotional responses?

While "touched" is generally appropriate, consider the intensity of the emotion. For stronger emotions, alternatives like "moved" or "affected" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "touched" and "influenced"?

"Touched" often implies a more direct or immediate emotional impact, while "influenced" suggests a broader, more gradual effect. Someone might be "touched" by a kind gesture, but "influenced" by a mentor's teachings.