How Do I Use the Phrase “Touch Base” Correctly?

Like every language, there are expressions in English that take their meaning from other areas of life. In this case, the expression has its origins in the popular sport of baseball. In this sport, there are four bases that a player must reach before the opponent can touch that base with the ball. The modification of the term in everyday language was taken from here since you have to touch the base and move toward it in the game. The interesting thing here is that the phrase has little application in the sport itself.

The meaning of “Touch base” in daily life

The idiom “touch base” is largely used in the business world. It is a form of expression to tell a person that you would like to make an appointment, aim for a meeting, or arrange a time to meet.

The term touch base is used in the sporting world because it has several meanings. Touch Base can also stand for something close to a location, such as an Office building or a specific place. In English, when someone says: “This is my home base,” the term “base” is also used in connection with one's own home.

In most cases, however, the use of the term is when you have not met, seen, or spoken to someone for a long time. So, when you touch base with someone, it is a form of asking to connect or saying that you will or want to connect with certain people.

Of course, it can also stand as a direct form of request and means something like: Shall we get together? I would like to touch base with you.

How do I use “Touch base” in a sentence?

If you want to contact someone or have another conversation with someone, you can say the following:

“I will touch base with you as soon as I get back to the office.”

You can also use it to tell someone that you still want to get in touch with a certain person.

“Give me a little more time - I need to touch base with Maria to hear what she has to say.”

As you can see, touch base is used when you want to get together with a person or intend to do so. It is a form of requesting a meet-up or telling someone that a specific date is coming up.

More examples to use: