touched a nerve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touched a nerve" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has caused a strong emotional reaction or has struck a sensitive topic. Example: "When he mentioned her past mistakes, it clearly touched a nerve, and she became visibly upset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But they touched a nerve.

The Economist

I definitely touched a nerve.

The New Yorker

But he touched a nerve.

The Economist

They had touched a nerve.

The New York Times

I'd touched a nerve!

The Guardian

I've touched a nerve.

The Guardian

The article touched a nerve.

Harvard University

That too touched a nerve with viewers.

The New York Times

or weed" touched a nerve.

The Washington Post

The threat touched a nerve.

The New York Times

Somehow, Rowland had touched a nerve.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "touched a nerve", be mindful of the context and intended audience. It's effective for highlighting sensitive issues but can be overly dramatic in less serious situations. Consider if a more nuanced phrase like "struck a chord" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "touched a nerve" in overly casual or lighthearted contexts. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your language seem unnecessarily intense. Opt for simpler expressions like "brought it up" or "mentioned it" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touched a nerve" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI suggests it describes something that has caused a strong emotional reaction or has struck a sensitive topic. The phrase often highlights underlying tensions or vulnerabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touched a nerve" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe something that elicits a strong emotional reaction or strikes a sensitive topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it's a versatile expression, consider the context to avoid overuse in overly casual situations. Alternatives such as "struck a chord" or "hit a sensitive spot" can provide nuance. This analysis, drawing from diverse sources, provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage and implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hit a sensitive spot

Directly indicates that a vulnerable or tender area has been affected, similar to causing a strong emotional reaction.

struck a chord

Implies resonance or agreement, slightly different from causing a negative reaction, but still indicating a significant impact.

provoked a reaction

Indicates that something caused a response, but doesn't specify the nature of the reaction.

stirred up emotions

Highlights the emotional aspect of the reaction, rather than necessarily a negative response.

elicited a response

Similar to 'provoked a reaction', but slightly more formal.

ruffled feathers

Indicates that someone has been annoyed or agitated, often used in a less serious context.

caused an uproar

Suggests a more significant and public display of disagreement or anger.

resonated deeply

Implies a profound and lasting effect, although not necessarily negative.

sparked controversy

Implies the generation of public debate and disagreement.

reopened old wounds

Suggests bringing back painful memories or issues.

FAQs

How can I use "touched a nerve" in a sentence?

You can use "touched a nerve" to indicate that a statement or action has elicited a strong emotional reaction. For example: "His comments about the company's financial situation really "touched a nerve" with the employees."

What can I say instead of "touched a nerve"?

You can use alternatives like "struck a chord", "hit a sensitive spot", or "provoked a reaction" depending on the context.

Is "touched a nerve" a formal or informal expression?

"Touched a nerve" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's often found in news and media. It's less formal than phrases like "elicited a response" but more impactful than simply saying "brought it up".

What's the difference between "touched a nerve" and "hit a nerve"?

While both "touched a nerve" and "hit a nerve" have similar meanings, "touched a nerve" can sometimes imply a gentler or more subtle impact, while "hit a nerve" suggests a more direct and forceful emotional reaction. Both are widely accepted and interchangeable in many situations.