touch base

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "touch base" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to mean "talk" or "communicate," as in, "Let's touch base later this week." It is usually used as an informal phrase in professional contexts or in casual conversations. An example sentence could be, "I wanted to touch base about the project status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let's touch base soon!

The New Yorker

"Just to touch base.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted to touch base with haunts old and new.

The New York Times - Travel

Believe it or not, they touch base fairly often".

The New York Times

"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

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

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch base" when you want to suggest a brief and informal communication, often to check in or coordinate on something.

Common error

Avoid using "touch base" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "communicate" or "consult" in those situations.

How to use

Learn how to use "touch base" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "touch base" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts. It is often used to suggest a brief and informal communication to check in or coordinate on something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

24%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch base" is a common idiomatic phrase used to suggest a brief and informal communication. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts like News & Media and Wiki. While generally acceptable in professional settings, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "communicate with" or "consult with" may be more appropriate in such cases. The phrase is used to maintain contact, provide updates, or coordinate tasks, making it a versatile tool for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check in with

Focuses on a brief and often regular communication to ensure everything is proceeding as planned.

get in contact

This alternative focuses on initiating communication, similar to "touch base" but emphasizes the act of establishing contact.

make contact

Similar to "get in contact", this option highlights the action of establishing a connection.

reach out

Similar to "get in contact" it refers to the action of extending communication.

connect with

This phrase emphasizes establishing a connection or relationship with someone, akin to a brief check-in.

follow up

This option suggests a subsequent communication, often to check on progress or continue a conversation.

get back to

Implies a return communication, often in response to a previous inquiry or discussion.

have a word

This is a more informal way of saying to have a brief conversation with someone.

circle back

This phrase is a business jargon suggesting a return to a topic at a later time.

liaise with

Implies a more formal and structured communication, often between different parties or organizations.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch base" to suggest a quick and informal communication. For example, "Let's touch base next week to discuss the project progress" or "I wanted to touch base about the upcoming meeting".

What does "touch base" mean in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, "touch base" typically means to connect briefly with someone to exchange information, check on progress, or coordinate tasks. It's a less formal way of saying "communicate" or "meet".

Are there any formal alternatives to "touch base"?

Yes, if you need a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "communicate with", "consult with", or "meet with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "touch base" in an email to a senior executive?

While "touch base" is generally acceptable in many professional environments, it might be perceived as too informal for communication with senior executives. Consider using a more formal phrase like "contact you" or "reach out" in such cases.