I have touched

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have touched" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you have made physical contact with something or someone in the past and that the action has relevance to the present. Example: "I have touched the surface of the painting to see if it was dry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Obviously, I have touched a nerve.

Independent

I have hugged them and I have touched their leg.

The New York Times - Sports

I have touched a chord with so many people.

The Guardian

I have hugged them and I have touched their legs without intent of sexual contact".

The New York Times - Sports

That means I have touched them under the skin, at the place I was aiming".

The New Yorker

I have touched the glass ceiling with my own hands and felt the sting of racism.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I have "touch bases" with my direct reports.

Forbes

I had touched a fragrant nerve.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've touched a nerve.

The Guardian

A: I've touched on it earlier.

The Guardian

I've touched the elephant in a lot of places.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have touched" to describe an emotional impact, consider the context to ensure it's not misconstrued as physical contact. For instance, "I have touched their hearts" is acceptable, but clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "I have touched on" too frequently in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "addressed", "examined", or "considered" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have touched" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It indicates a completed action that has relevance to the present. Ludwig highlights this through various examples, where the action of touching has a lasting effect or significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have touched" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and personal narratives, to denote both physical contact and metaphorical influence. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context to avoid misinterpretations and to opt for more precise alternatives in formal writing. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while frequent, careful consideration of context and register ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've made contact with

Replaces "touched" with "made contact", emphasizing the act of establishing communication or connection.

I've influenced

Substitutes "touched" with "influenced", highlighting the effect or impact on something or someone.

I have impacted

Uses "impacted" as a synonym for "touched", stressing the effect or consequence of an action.

I've affected

Similar to "influenced", but with a broader connotation of having an impact on something.

I've been involved in

Emphasizes participation or association with a particular activity or situation.

I've had a hand in

Indicates involvement or participation in something, suggesting a more active role.

I've dealt with

Focuses on the experience of handling or managing something, often implying a problem or challenge.

I've handled

Implies physical contact and manipulation, especially when referring to objects.

I've grazed

Implies a slight or superficial contact, rather than a deep or significant interaction.

I've brushed against

Suggests a fleeting or incidental contact, similar to "grazed".

FAQs

What does "I have touched" mean?

The phrase "I have touched" generally means that you have physically made contact with something. However, it can also be used metaphorically to indicate that you have influenced or affected something, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

What can I say instead of "I have touched"?

You can use alternatives like "I have affected", "I've made contact with", or "I have influenced" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I have touched on"?

Yes, "I have touched on" is a correct and commonly used phrase that means you have briefly mentioned or addressed a topic. However, using alternatives like "addressed" or "mentioned" can sometimes be more precise.

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

You can use "I have touched" in a sentence to describe physical contact, such as "I have touched the statue" or to describe an emotional impact, such as "I hope I have touched some student, even slightly, such that he or she was inspired to continue on in science".