touched base

USAGE SUMMARY

"touched base" is a common and correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a recent conversation or contact, to show that someone has communicated, often to check in or provide a brief update. For example, "We touched base over the phone yesterday and discussed the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I touched base with Naylor to find out how his secession plans were faring.

The New York Times

I touched base with him regularly for an update on that and subsequent delays.

The New York Times

"We touched base with almost every meter manufacturer," Mr. Turoff testified.

The New York Times

They have simply touched base and let us know of their interest.

The Guardian

Many of the people I touched base with this week could not have been on Facebook until that point.

University of California, Berkeley

The person, who said the players and owners had touched base in the morning, was not authorized to speak publicly.

The New York Times

Exchange officials soon touched base with the S.E.C. in Washington, where an internal e-mail system alerted regulators to the problem.

The New York Times

Between meeting with my philosophy class and helping with the school evacuation, I touched base with Spectator staff members, urging them to stay safe and to take notes.

The New York Times

INSIDE PITCH Manager Terry Collins and pitcher Johan Santana touched base after the Mets lost to the Nationals on Friday night.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Just to touch base.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's touch base soon!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "touched base" to indicate a brief check-in or update, especially in professional or informal contexts. It implies a light, non-demanding form of communication.

Common error

Avoid using "touched base" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "contacted" or "communicated with" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "touched base" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase used to describe the act of making brief contact with someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common expression for quick check-ins or updates. It is often used to show that someone has communicated, often to check in or provide a brief update.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "touched base" is a widely used idiomatic verb phrase that means to make brief contact with someone for a quick check-in or update. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a common expression across a range of contexts, but is particularly frequent in News & Media. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid this expression in formal or scientific writing. Instead, opt for alternatives like "contacted" or "communicated with". Use "touched base" when you want to convey that a light, non-demanding form of communication has occurred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

checked in with

Highlights the act of briefly contacting someone to inquire about their well-being or progress.

got in touch

Implies establishing communication, often after a period of no contact.

connected with

Suggests a successful establishment of communication, possibly implying a more meaningful interaction.

reached out to

Emphasizes the act of initiating contact, possibly indicating an offer of assistance or information.

made contact with

A more formal way of saying that communication was established.

spoke with

Indicates a verbal communication between individuals.

communicated with

A general term indicating that some form of communication took place.

had a word with

Implies a brief, informal conversation.

liaised with

Suggests a more formal and structured form of communication, often between organizations or departments.

corresponded with

Suggests communication via letters or emails.

FAQs

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

To "touch base" means to make brief contact with someone, usually to check in, provide a quick update, or exchange information.

What can I say instead of "touched base"?

You can use alternatives like "got in touch", "connected with", or "reached out to" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "touched base" in formal writing?

While "touched base" is widely understood, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives like "contacted" or "communicated with" in formal writing.

How do I use "touched base" in a sentence?

You can use "touched base" like this: "I "checked in with" the team this morning and "touched base" on the project progress."