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

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

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, informal communication or meeting to update someone on progress or discuss a specific issue. It is suitable for professional and casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "touch base" in highly formal communications or with individuals who prefer more formal language. Opt for phrases like "follow up" or "communicate" in those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touch base" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its common use to indicate a brief communication or meeting for updates, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

15%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch base" is a common and generally acceptable idiomatic phrase used to indicate a brief communication or meeting. While Ludwig AI validates its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's important to note its informal nature. When writing, consider your audience and opt for more formal alternatives like "follow up" or "communicate" in professional settings. Overusing it in highly formal documents should be avoided. Remember to maintain a clear and appropriate tone in your writing and to consider the various contexts in which the phrase may be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get in touch

Similar meaning, but slightly more informal.

check in

Implies a brief communication to monitor progress or well-being.

connect

A more general term for establishing communication.

make contact

Similar to "get in touch" but can also refer to physical contact.

reach out

Suggests initiating contact, often to offer assistance or information.

keep in contact

Emphasizes maintaining ongoing communication.

follow up

Implies a subsequent communication after an initial interaction.

communicate

A broader term for conveying information.

liaise

More formal, implies ongoing communication between parties.

drop a line

An informal way to suggest sending a message.

FAQs

What does "touch base" mean?

The phrase "touch base" means to make brief contact with someone, typically to exchange information or updates. It often implies a quick meeting or conversation.

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

You can use "touch base" in sentences like: "Let's "touch base" next week to discuss the project's progress" or "I'll "touch base" with you after the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "touch base"?

Some alternatives to "touch base" include "get in touch", "follow up", "connect", or "reach out". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "touch base" appropriate for formal communication?

While "touch base" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal communication, it's often better to use phrases like "follow up" or "communicate".