be out of touch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be out of touch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an individual who has not kept up with the latest news, trends, or technologies. For example, "My grandmother is out of touch with the latest trends, so I don't bother telling her about them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That desire never to be out of touch is touching.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, we'd be out of touch and off the grid.

The New Yorker

I suggested Roy might be out of touch.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not only the politicians who seem to be out of touch.

The Guardian

But, as Mr. Park clarified, it's possible to stay the same and be out of touch.

The New York Times

It should be no surprise that Reagan may be out of touch with what's going on.

The New Yorker

But Goni had shown himself to be out of touch with a poor and angry country.

The Economist

"We've built a society that says you can never be out of touch.

The New York Times

State lawmakers in safe seats can afford to be out of touch with the electorate.

The Economist

"Both have learned since then, and he won't be out of touch.

The New York Times

Others may be out of touch because of power outages and downed cell towers.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be out of touch" to describe individuals, organizations, or ideas that are no longer current or relevant. It effectively conveys a sense of detachment from contemporary trends or understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "be out of touch" when you mean someone is physically unreachable. Instead, say "unreachable" or "unavailable" to prevent misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be out of touch" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject's state of being disconnected or lacking current knowledge. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, indicating it modifies a noun or pronoun to express a condition of being uninformed or detached from reality, current trends, or relevant information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be out of touch" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of disconnection or lack of awareness. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, noting its application in various contexts, primarily within news, business, and encyclopedic content. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, avoiding confusion with physical unavailability. Alternative phrases such as "lose contact" or "fall behind the times" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. To effectively use "be out of touch", ensure the subject genuinely lacks current knowledge or understanding, especially when this deficiency impacts their actions or decisions. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal settings, yet it's essential to maintain precision and avoid overly technical jargon when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be disconnected from

Emphasizes a lack of connection or understanding.

be behind the curve

Suggests being less advanced or knowledgeable than others.

fall behind the times

Specifically suggests failing to keep up with current trends or developments.

not be in the loop

Indicates exclusion from important information or discussions.

not keep up with

Indicates a failure to stay current with something.

lose contact

Implies a cessation of communication or connection with someone or something.

be uninformed about

Focuses on a lack of information.

be unaware of

Highlights a lack of knowledge about something.

miss the boat

Means to miss an opportunity or fail to understand something.

be antiquated

Implies being outdated and no longer relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "be out of touch" in a sentence?

You can use "be out of touch" to describe someone or something that doesn't have current information or understanding of a topic, for example: "The politician seems to "be out of touch" with the concerns of ordinary citizens".

What is a similar phrase to "be out of touch"?

Similar phrases include "lose contact", "fall behind the times", or "be disconnected from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to say someone is "out of touch"?

It's appropriate when they lack current knowledge, understanding, or awareness about something, especially when it impacts their decisions or actions. For example, "The company's marketing strategy seems "be out of touch" with modern consumers".

Is "be out of touch" a formal or informal expression?

"Be out of touch" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it can be used in professional settings, avoid it in scenarios requiring highly technical or precise language.