to touch base

USAGE SUMMARY

"to touch base" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to communicate that you would like to reconnect or check in with someone after a period of time. For example, "I hadn't talked to my mentor in a while, so I decided to touch base and see how she was doing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Meaningful training on community-based approaches makes sense and enables trainees to touch base with reality when they are trained and practice within the same or similar environments.

Unicef

"Just to touch base.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted to touch base with haunts old and new.

The New York Times - Travel

"We agreed to touch base in a few days".

The New York Times - Sports

Tannenbaum vaguely said he wanted to "touch base".

The New York Times - Sports

Nice to touch base with Badger and Skinny Pete.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But I do expect to touch base at least every two weeks, if not every week.

The New York Times

We also agreed to touch base that afternoon to establish a meeting time.

The New York Times

He would like you to touch base with him two or three times a week".

The New York Times - Sports

Travelers are advised to touch base with the American embassy; information is at travel.state.gov.gov

The New York Times - Travel

And she's doing good now — she calls me to touch base sometimes".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to touch base" when you want to convey a brief, informal check-in or follow-up, especially after some time has passed or a project milestone has been reached. For example, "Let's plan "to touch base" next week to discuss the project's progress."

Common error

Avoid using "to touch base" excessively in formal communications. While it's acceptable in informal settings, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more precise language like "to discuss", "to update", or "to review" in professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "to touch base" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an intention to make contact with someone, usually for a brief update or to maintain communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to touch base" is a very common idiomatic phrase used to indicate making contact for a brief update or check-in. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's used across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. While widely accepted, it's best to avoid overuse, especially in highly formal communication, where more precise language might be preferable. Alternatives include "check in with" or "follow up with". The phrase is neutral in register and serves the purpose of staying informed and keeping others updated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to check in with

Emphasizes a brief communication to inquire about someone's well-being or status.

to get in contact

Focuses on initiating or re-establishing communication.

to reach out to

Suggests an effort to make contact, often to offer assistance or support.

to reconnect

Highlights the act of re-establishing a relationship or communication after a period of separation.

to keep in touch

Focuses on maintaining ongoing communication.

to follow up with

Implies a subsequent contact after an initial interaction.

to make contact

Emphasizes the act of initiating communication.

to get ahold of

Indicates an attempt to find and communicate with someone.

to communicate with

A general term for establishing any form of communication.

to schedule a meeting

Suggests arranging a formal meeting to discuss matters.

FAQs

How can I use "to touch base" in a sentence?

You can use "to touch base" to suggest reconnecting or communicating briefly with someone. For example: "I'll "touch base" with you next week to discuss the project" or "It's good "to touch base" and see how things are going".

What is an alternative to "to touch base"?

Alternatives to "to touch base" include "check in with", "follow up with", or "get in contact", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "to touch base" formal or informal?

"To touch base" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, you might prefer phrases like "to follow up", "to schedule a meeting", or "to provide an update".

What does it mean to "touch base" with someone?

To "touch base" with someone means to make brief contact, often to check in, exchange information, or coordinate plans. It implies a quick and informal communication.