touches

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "touches" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb that means to make physical contact with something or someone, or to affect or influence something in some way. Example: She lightly touched the flowers in the garden, admiring their soft petals. In this sentence, "touches" is used to describe the action of making physical contact with the flowers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then: Taufua touches down in the corner; Jamie Buhrer scores closer in; and Matai converts.

The Guardian - Sport

Nine suites sport luxurious fabrics and lavish design touches, from marble baths to inlaid headboards.

The Guardian - Travel

The band holed up in a windowless studio in east Hollywood and worked there every day for the best part of a year – the final touches were only added in July.

The Guardian - Music

So what does explain the slightly curious fact that a play about a group of northern state school sixth-form boys preparing for Oxbridge in the 1980s touches such a modern national chord?

The Guardian - Opinion

Brett Deledio kicked three goals and got 27 touches, while Trent Cotchin logged 29 possessions.

The Guardian - Sport

"Ten years ago you really only had HBO in the cable sphere, now you have the AMCs and the Showtimes and that has made a huge difference," says Company Pictures co-founder Charlie Pattinson, who is putting the finishing touches to the MTV adaptation of Skins as we speak.

The Guardian

As he put the finishing touches to his strategy review last month, Jenkins had already made clear that he intends to retain the investment banking operations of the bank.

The Guardian - Business

Alien centred on an intergalactic cargo vessel which touches down on a desolate planet in response to a distress signal.

The Guardian - Film

"Fiction is a powerful tool because it touches people's emotions," she says.

The Guardian

If Francescho's story is about the way we look at images, George's touches on how we see and construct each other – and about what it is to spy on a person.

The Guardian - Books

Bale came in for criticism for his performance in the midweek Champions League semi-final first leg against Juventus, with match statistics showing the world's most expensive signing had the fewest touches and made the fewest passes of any Madrid player.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "touches" to subtly suggest an emotional or intellectual connection rather than a forceful impact.

Common error

While "touches" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise verbs like "affects", "influences", or "addresses" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Touches primarily functions as a verb, typically in the third-person singular present tense. Ludwig shows it describing physical contact or influence, for example, "the tip touches my hand" or "fiction touches people's emotions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Books

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "touches" is widely used in English to describe physical contact or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and versatility. With a high frequency across diverse sources, including news, sports, and travel, it demonstrates broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider context and choose more precise verbs when appropriate. Related phrases like "makes contact with" or "affects" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Being mindful of overuse in formal writing ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes contact with

Focuses specifically on the physical act of touching.

comes into contact with

Emphasizes the event of encountering or meeting physically.

affects

Highlights the impact or influence something has on another.

influences

Similar to 'affects', but emphasizes a more persuasive or guiding impact.

impinges on

Suggests a more forceful or intrusive impact.

grazes

Refers to a slight or glancing touch.

brushes against

Implies a gentle and often unintentional contact.

connects with

Highlights the establishment of a link or relationship through contact.

borders on

Indicates a closeness to or similarity with something else, not necessarily physical.

pertains to

Indicates a relevance or connection to a particular subject or matter.

FAQs

How can I use "touches" in a sentence?

"Touches" can be used to describe physical contact, like "The cat touches my leg", or to indicate an emotional or intellectual impact, such as "The film touches on themes of loss".

What can I say instead of "touches"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "makes contact with", "affects", or "influences".

Which is correct, "touches" or "impacts" when describing influence?

Both "touches" and "impacts" can describe influence. "Touches" suggests a lighter, more subtle influence, while "impacts" implies a stronger, more significant effect.

What's the difference between "touches" and "concerns"?

"Touches" suggests a brief or indirect involvement, while "concerns" indicates a more direct and significant relationship. For example, a news report might "touch on" several issues, but primarily "concerns" one specific event.