touch on

USAGE SUMMARY

"touch on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is discussed or mentioned briefly. For example, "The professor touched on a few topics during the lecture, but didn't go into detail about any of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The emails didn't just touch on policy.

The Guardian

Dvoretsky comments: Here, we should touch on one delicate question.

Wikipedia

I'll touch on these issues.

The New Yorker

But they also touch on world affairs.

The Economist

She has great touch on the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Specifically, I will touch on three models.

Cornell University

Just three that I'll touch on.

Yale University

The final touch on this awesome project?

Princeton University

Ms. Muholi's pictures touch on both realities.

The New York Times - Arts

Let me just touch on each.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fig. 9 Overshoot due to touch-on error.

Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touch on" when you want to introduce a topic without going into exhaustive detail. It's ideal for overviews or when time is limited.

Common error

Avoid using "touch on" excessively when a more thorough exploration of the topic is expected or necessary. Ensure you provide sufficient context or signal when a more detailed discussion will follow.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "touch on" functions primarily as a verb indicating a brief or superficial engagement with a topic. It signals that the speaker or writer will only mention or discuss something without delving into deeper analysis. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's about mentioning something briefly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touch on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate a brief mention or discussion of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, suggesting it's suitable when you want to introduce a subject without going into extensive detail. It is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, signaling a neutral register. To avoid overuse, ensure that more thorough exploration is provided when necessary. Alternatives like "mention briefly" or "allude to" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mention briefly

Focuses on the act of mentioning something without delving into detail; emphasizes brevity.

cover briefly

Emphasizes that the topic was addressed, but not in depth.

allude to

Implies a more indirect reference, hinting at something rather than stating it explicitly.

make a passing reference to

Highlights the incidental and brief nature of the mention.

refer to

A more general term for mentioning or directing attention to something.

discuss lightly

Indicates a discussion that lacks seriousness or depth.

glance at

Suggests a very quick and superficial look at a topic.

broach the subject

Highlights the act of introducing a topic, often a sensitive one.

address superficially

Emphasizes the lack of depth or thoroughness in dealing with a subject.

skirt around

Suggests avoiding direct engagement with a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "touch on" to indicate that you will briefly mention a topic without going into extensive detail. For example, "I will "touch on" the main points of the argument, but we won't have time to discuss them fully".

What are some alternatives to "touch on"?

Alternatives include "mention briefly", "allude to", or "refer to" depending on the context. These phrases all suggest a brief or indirect reference to a topic.

Is it appropriate to use "touch on" in formal writing?

Yes, "touch on" is appropriate in formal writing when used to indicate a brief mention of a topic. However, ensure that you provide enough context for the reader to understand the main points, or indicate that a more detailed discussion will follow.

What's the difference between "touch on" and "elaborate on"?

"Touch on" means to mention something briefly, while "elaborate on" means to provide more detail or expand on a topic. They are opposites in terms of the depth of discussion.