i touched on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I touched on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that you briefly mentioned or addressed a topic without going into detail. Example: "In my presentation, I touched on the importance of sustainability in business practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is a deeply emotive and intellectually engaging game, but it's one of those cult hits I touched on earlier.

Vice

"It's like I touched on something nostalgic".

The New York Times

As I touched on above, corporate law firms want people capable of fitting into their culture.

The Guardian

I touched on as many of her travels and experiences as I could recall.

The New York Times

Some of this I touched on in a previous article called "The Checklist".

The New Yorker

That aside, Ms. Moss's reference to how close the idea of spiritual transcendence is to her personally raises another issue that I touched on earlier.

The New York Times - Arts

That's the only time you know what's going in the food, something I touched on in my essay "Cooking Solves Everything".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I think one that I just touched on is the ability to really integrate a company.

Forbes

I touch on this with Mumford, and we discuss how his songwriting might alter given his recent wedding to Mulligan.

The Guardian - Music

But before I touch on the multifaceted impact of these gifts, I would like to share with you another and, to my mind, even more important figure.

Princeton University

Ask yourself, "Am I touching on the issues/interests that are relevant to the community I'm working with?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I touched on", be prepared to provide a brief explanation or context. Even though you're not going in-depth, ensure the audience understands the basic concept you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I touched on" without offering any substance. If you frequently mention topics without providing adequate explanation, your audience may feel frustrated or uninformed. Balance brief mentions with enough detail to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I touched on" functions as a verbal phrase used to indicate that the speaker or writer has briefly mentioned or discussed a particular topic. As Ludwig indicates, it's a common way to introduce a subject without delving into extensive details. This usage is evident in many examples, such as "I touched on this Tuesday, so here's the update."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I touched on" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a brief mention or discussion of a topic. Ludwig confirms its acceptability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving the purpose of signaling a preliminary overview without delving into extensive detail. While neutral in register, it's essential to provide sufficient context to avoid frustrating the audience. Related phrases include "I mentioned briefly" and "I alluded to". Remember to balance brevity with clarity when employing "I touched on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I just touched upon

Adds emphasis to the briefness of the mention.

I mentioned briefly

Focuses on the act of mentioning, emphasizing the brevity of the discussion.

I alluded to

Suggests a more indirect reference, implying that the topic was hinted at rather than explicitly stated.

I referred to

Highlights the act of making a reference to something without necessarily discussing it in detail.

I spoke about briefly

Emphasizes the act of speaking, adding that the discussion was not extensive.

I briefly covered

Focuses on the act of covering a topic, but in a succinct manner.

I addressed briefly

Indicates that the topic was dealt with or considered, but not at length.

I skimmed over

Suggests that the topic was passed over quickly, with little detail.

I grazed upon

Implies a very light and superficial treatment of the topic.

I glanced at

Indicates a very quick and cursory look at the subject.

FAQs

What does "I touched on" mean?

The phrase "I touched on" means that you briefly mentioned or discussed a topic without going into great detail. It suggests a superficial or introductory treatment of the subject.

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

You can use alternatives like "I mentioned briefly", "I alluded to", or "I referred to depending on the context".

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

Yes, "I touched on" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to indicate a brief or superficial discussion of a topic.

How formal is the phrase "I touched on"?

The phrase "I touched on" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is appropriate for most contexts, including professional and academic writing, but might be too informal for highly formal or academic settings where more precise language is preferred.