What are the definitions of “touch on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Mention.
The talk TOUCHED ON the issue, but didn't give any new information.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “touch on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb touch on is to mention or briefly discuss a topic or subject. It is often used when someone talks about a subject but does not go into great detail or provide new information.
What are the different verb forms of “touch on”?
| Root Verb | touch on |
| Third Person Singular Present | touches on |
| Present Participle | touching on |
| Simple Past | touched on |
| Past Participle | touched on |
Example
The teacher touched on the topic of climate change during the lecture.
Example
She touches on the importance of exercise in her book.
Example
He is touching on the main points of the argument in his speech.
Example
The article touched on the benefits of meditation, but it didn't go into depth.
Example
The issues touched on during the meeting were important but not fully explored.
What kind of phrasal verb is “touch on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“touch on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The speaker touched on the subject of mental health.
Example
The documentary touched on the history of the city.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“touch on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The speaker touched on the subject of mental health.
Example
The documentary touched on the history of the city.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “touch on”?
Touch on/upon
Both *touch on* and *touch upon* can be used interchangeably to mean the same thing.
Example
The book touches upon the challenges faced by immigrants in a new country.
Good things to know
Does “touch on” have an informal or formal tone?
Touch on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, academic writing, and professional settings.
