What does “Touch base” mean?
To make brief contact with someone to talk about progress or updates.
Main example sentence
“Let's touch base on Friday afternoon to review the client feedback.”
How and when to use it
Use the phrase when the contact is expected to be brief and focused rather than a long discussion. It often appears when arranging a future conversation—let’s touch base tomorrow—or explaining why a short meeting is needed. Because it is common corporate language, a more specific verb can make formal writing clearer.
More natural examples
- Can we touch base tomorrow after you review the figures?
- I touched base with the supplier about the revised delivery date.
- Let’s touch base for ten minutes before the client call.
- Nina and I touch base every Friday to compare progress.
Why it is common at work
The phrase suggests a short coordination point without requiring a formal meeting. It is useful when both people already know the wider subject.
Conversational rather than formal
Touch base is widely understood, but it can sound vague or overused. In an important request, state the topic and desired outcome instead of relying on the idiom alone.
Clear alternatives for email
- review the latest update
- confirm the next steps
- speak briefly about the schedule
- check in about progress
Use “base,” not “bases”
The fixed expression is 'touch base.' The past tense is 'touched base,' and the -ing form is 'touching base.'