Touch base means to contact someone briefly to check how things are going. People say it mostly at work: a quick chat with a colleague or client to compare plans or get an update. It is typical of business speech, and some people find that it sounds like office jargon.
When would you say touch base?
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touch base (with someone) (about/on + topic); let's touch base + time
- Let's touch base on Friday to see how the report is going.
- I'll touch base with the landlord about the broken heater tomorrow morning.
- We haven't spoken for months, so I just wanted to touch base before your move.
What changed
First versionI'll touch the base with the client after lunch.
RevisionI'll touch base with the client after lunch.
In this idiom, base has no article. It is tempting to add the, as with an ordinary noun, but the fixed expression doesn't change: touch base with someone. The only change is removing the.
Keep in touch means staying in contact over a long time, for example after a move: Let's keep in touch. Touch base is one short contact about something specific: Let's touch base after lunch. In an essay or a formal letter, the neutral contact or get in touch with works better.
Your turn
I don't have the sales figures yet, so let's ___ on Thursday and decide then.
Show the answer
touch base — The speaker means one conversation on Thursday to discuss the figures and make a decision, so touch base fits. Keep in touch means staying in contact regularly and doesn't go with a specific day.
Write a short message to a colleague or classmate. Suggest getting in touch, and say when and what you want to discuss.
Could we touch base on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the budget for the school trip?
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