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touch on

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To mention or discuss a topic briefly without going into detail.

In plain English

To talk about something for a short time without explaining it fully.

What does "touch on" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To mention or deal with a topic briefly without exploring it in depth.

"In today's lecture, we'll touch on the causes of the French Revolution before moving to the consequences."

I just want to touch on a few of the issues that I think are important.

inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic formal

To relate or be connected to a particular subject or area.

"Her research touches on questions of ethics that concern us all."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To lightly make contact with the surface of something.

Actually means

To talk about something for a short time without explaining it fully.

Usage tip

Very commonly used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to indicate that a topic is mentioned but not fully explored. Often used in presentations, speeches, and essays. The speaker or writer typically touches on several points in quick succession. Slightly less formal than 'touch upon'.

Words that pair with "touch on"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

issue topic subject point theme question

How to conjugate "touch on"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
touch on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
touches on
he/she/it
Past simple
touched on
yesterday
Past participle
touched on
have + pp
-ing form
touching on
continuous

Hear "touch on" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "touch on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "touch on"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

address briefly allude to mention briefly refer to skim over touch upon

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