What are the definitions of “touch for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Borrow money.
I TOUCHED him FOR some cash as I'd forgotten my cards.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “touch for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb touch for is to borrow money from someone. It is often used when someone needs a small amount of money for a short period of time.
What are the different verb forms of “touch for”?
| Root Verb | touch for |
| Third Person Singular Present | touches for |
| Present Participle | touching for |
| Simple Past | touched for |
| Past Participle | touched for |
Example
Can I touch you for a few dollars? I forgot my wallet at home.
Example
He always touches his friends for money when he goes out.
Example
She is touching her sister for some cash to buy lunch.
Example
Yesterday, he touched his coworker for a few bucks to buy a snack.
Example
She had touched her friend for some money to pay for the taxi.
What kind of phrasal verb is “touch for”?
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 for” 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
He touched his friend for some cash.
Example
She touched her sister for a few dollars.
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 for” 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
He touched his friend for some cash.
Example
She touched her sister for a few dollars.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “touch for”?
Touch up
To make small improvements or adjustments to something, often to its appearance.
Example
I need to touch up the paint on the walls before the guests arrive.
Good things to know
Does “touch for” have an informal or formal tone?
Touch for is an informal phrasal verb and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternatives such as 'borrow' or 'ask for a loan'.
