What are the definitions of “touch upon”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Mention.
They didn't TOUCH UPON the subject because of the controversy.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “touch upon”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb touch upon is to mention something briefly or indirectly during a conversation or discussion. It is often used when talking about a topic that is not the main focus of the conversation.
What are the different verb forms of “touch upon”?
| Root Verb | touch upon |
| Third Person Singular Present | touches upon |
| Present Participle | touching upon |
| Simple Past | touched upon |
| Past Participle | touched upon |
Example
In the meeting, they touched upon the budget issue.
Example
She touches upon the topic of climate change in her speech.
Example
He is touching upon the recent events in his presentation.
Example
Yesterday, they touched upon the new policy during the conference.
Example
The subject has been touched upon in previous discussions.
What kind of phrasal verb is “touch upon”?
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 upon” 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 upon the issue of poverty.
Example
In the article, the author touched upon the importance of mental health.
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 upon” 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 upon the issue of poverty.
Example
In the article, the author touched upon the importance of mental health.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “touch upon”?
Good things to know
Does “touch upon” have an informal or formal tone?
Touch upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as academic discussions, presentations, or written articles.
