10 Formal Ways to Say "Touch Base" (2024)

The phrase “touch base” is common when trying to reconnect with someone via email, but sometimes, a more formal alternative is needed.

This article lists 10 formal alternatives to “touch base” that can fit various professional settings. By understanding these options, you can enhance how you communicate in emails and messages at work.

Is It Formal to Say “Touch Base”?

The phrase “touch base” is often seen as informal but professional and polite. Typically, it’s used to imply a brief check-in or update between colleagues or business contacts who have previously established a relationship.

This phrase is best used in less formal business settings or when you have an ongoing rapport with your correspondent. It fits well in emails, instant messages, or during meetings when you want to suggest a follow-up or a quick update.

Email example:

Dear Alex,I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to touch base about our upcoming project meeting and see if Friday at 3 PM still works for you.Looking forward to your reply.Best,Chris

Below are the pros and cons of using the phrase “touch base”:

Pros:

• Creates a friendly tone in communication.
• Indicates a desire for a brief and informal update or follow-up.
• Suitable for ongoing or previously established business relationships.

Cons:

• May be too casual for formal business documents or communications.
• Could be interpreted as too vague or unprofessional in certain contexts.
• Not always clear in terms of the communication’s purpose or expected outcomes.

If someone is considering whether to use “touch base” or an alternative, it might be due to the context or the level of formality required. In more formal settings or when clarity is paramount, using a synonym or alternative expression that precisely conveys the action or intention can be more appropriate.

10 Other Ways to Say “Touch Base”

When looking for a more appropriate phrase for a professional setting, consider these formal alternatives to “touch base”:

1. Check in with you

This alternative is more professional and slightly more formal than the original phrase, making it ideal for business settings. It suggests a gentle inquiry or update without being too direct. This phrase works well in emails or messages where you need an update from someone without sounding too casual.

This phrase is suited for communications with colleagues, clients, or business partners, especially when you’re looking to get an update on an ongoing project or situation. It’s a polite way to initiate conversation without implying urgency, making it perfect for emails and digital messages.

Example:

Dear Mark,I wanted to check in with you regarding the status of the monthly sales report.Best regards,Emily

2. Follow up on

“Follow up on” is another professional alternative that emphasizes taking the next step or seeking additional information after a previous discussion. It’s more specific than “touch base”, indicating that a prior conversation or action has taken place and now it’s time to see the progress or results.

This phrase is better suited when you’re expecting an outcome or an update after a meeting, a conversation, or a set of actions. It’s ideal for use with team members, managers, or clients, especially in emails where you need to remind or enquire about the next stages of a project or task.

Email example:

Dear Carla,I am writing to follow up on our discussion about the new marketing strategy.Warm regards,Greg

3. Connect regarding

Using “connect regarding” introduces a more formal tone compared to “touch base” and implies a specific purpose for the communication, which adds to its professional quality. It’s ideal for when you want to discuss a particular topic or issue in detail.

It’s particularly useful for emails or correspondence aimed at scheduling meetings or calls to discuss specific projects, concerns, or opportunities. It caters well to situations involving clients, stakeholders, or team members, emphasizing the importance of the subject at hand.

Here’s an example:

Dear Tom,I would like to connect regarding the upcoming project proposal.Kind regards,Sara

4. Reconnect on

The term “reconnect on” is polite and professional, suitable for re-establishing contact or continuing a previously paused conversation. It’s a bit more formal than “touch base” and signals an intention to resume discussions or actions on a specific topic.

This alternative is perfect for reaching out to colleagues, mentors, or business connections after a period of inactivity or to follow up on earlier proposals or meetings. It’s effective in emails where you aim to reintroduce a topic or inquiry without assuming continuity.

Example:

Dear Alan,I hope you're well. I'd like to reconnect on the research project we discussed last month.Sincerely,Jill

5. Review our progress on

“Review our progress on” is a formal and professional choice, indicating a need to evaluate or discuss the advancements or status of a project or task. It suggests a more structured and detailed approach to communication.

This phrase is most fitting for interactions with team members or project collaborators, especially when preparing for meetings, reports, or updates where detailed feedback and evaluation are expected. It’s most appropriately used in emails intended to prompt an in-depth discussion or analysis.

Email sample:

Dear Sophie,Let's schedule a time to review our progress on the quarterly goals.Best,Jordan

6. Update you on

“Update you on” is straightforward and professional, directly indicating that the sender has new information about a topic of mutual interest. It’s slightly more formal than “touch base” but maintains a level of directness and clarity.

This alternative works well in professional settings where ongoing projects or collaborations require periodic updates. It’s suitable for messages to supervisors, team members, or clients, particularly when sharing significant developments or changes.

Here’s an example:

Dear Hannah,I would like to update you on the latest project milestones.Regards,Liam

7. Discuss further

The phrase “discuss further” implies a need for more in-depth conversation about a topic, making it both professional and formal. It suggests that previous discussions have taken place, and now a more detailed exploration is required.

It’s especially suited for situations where preliminary talks have occurred, and a more comprehensive discussion is needed to make decisions or move forward. Ideal for use with colleagues, management, or external partners, particularly when detailed planning or decision-making is involved.

Example:

Dear Julie,Could we discuss further the implications of the new policy?Kindly,Derek

8. Confirm our details on

“Confirm our details on” is a very professional and formal way to ensure that all the information regarding a specific topic, meeting, or event is correct. It’s particularly useful for finalizing arrangements or clarifying specific details.

This phrase is well-suited for communications with clients, service providers, or team members when finalizing plans or ensuring that there is mutual understanding and agreement on particular details. It’s most effective in emails intended to verify or arrange specifics.

Email sample:

Dear Omar,I want to confirm our details on the upcoming client presentation.Yours truly,Nina

9. Touch upon

While “touch upon” is slightly more informal than the original phrase, it remains professional and suitable for mentioning or briefly discussing a subject. It implies a light or introductory coverage of a topic rather than a deep dive.

This alternative is best for situations where a brief mention or preliminary discussion of a topic is needed, without going into extensive detail. It’s ideal for communication with colleagues or in meetings where various subjects need to be addressed briefly.

Example:

Dear Eric,In our next meeting, we should touch upon the budget adjustments.Cheers,Ava

10. Circle back on

“Circle back on” communicates a return to a previously discussed topic for further consideration, striking a balance between professional and informal. It’s useful for revisiting discussions after some thought or after awaiting more information.

This phrase is particularly effective for follow-up communications after initial discussions or when waiting for more data to inform a decision. It’s well-matched for emails with team members, managers, or clients, especially when you need to revisit topics that were left pending.

Here’s an example:

Dear Lucas,I'd like to circle back on our discussion about the new software tool.Best wishes,Heather

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words for professional communication is essential. The alternatives to “touch base” mentioned in this article offer a variety of formal options for workplace interactions. Each one serves a specific purpose, helping you convey messages more effectively. By using these alternatives, you can ensure your emails and messages are both professional and clear.