Ever wondered if it’s “touchbase” or “touch base”? You’re not alone—many professionals and writers get confused.
This phrase pops up in emails, meetings, and casual chats. People often search online to make sure they’re spelling it correctly.
Choosing the wrong form can make your writing look informal or careless. It’s a small detail that matters in professional communication.
In this blog, we’ll clear up the confusion. You’ll learn the correct spelling, usage tips, and examples you can trust.
By the end, you’ll confidently know when to write touch base.
Touchbase or Touch Base – Quick Answer
Quick Answer: The correct form is “touch base” (two words) in standard English.
Example:
- ✅ “Let’s touch base tomorrow to finalize the report.”
- ❌ “Let’s touchbase tomorrow to finalize the report.”
Some people use touchbase as one word in casual emails or online content, but dictionaries and style guides recommend touch base as the correct formal usage.
The Origin of Touch Base
The phrase “touch base” originates from baseball in the United States. Players must literally touch a base to remain in the game or score.
Over time, the expression entered business language, meaning to check in or briefly communicate with someone.
The one-word variant “touchbase” likely appeared from frequent digital communication, where people tend to combine words for speed. However, formal English still favors the two-word spelling.
British English vs American English Spelling
While the phrase is American in origin, both British and American English use “touch base” as two words. The one-word variant touchbase is informal and more common in casual American emails.
| Feature | American English | British English | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard spelling | touch base | touch base | Two words, formal usage |
| Informal/online | touchbase | touchbase | Mainly in casual American writing |
| Professional emails | touch base | touch base | Recommended for clarity |
In short, formal communication in both US and UK English prefers two words.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US Audience (Business/Professional): Use touch base.
- UK/Commonwealth Audience: Use touch base.
- Casual digital communication: touchbase can be acceptable in US-centric chats or messages.
Tip: When in doubt, stick with touch base—it’s universally understood and professionally correct.
Common Mistakes with Touch Base
- Writing “touchbase” in formal emails – ❌ Wrong. Use touch base.
- Using “touch base” to mean prolonged discussion – ❌ Incorrect. It means a brief check-in.
- Confusing it with “touch bases” – ❌ Plural form is usually unnecessary.
- Overusing in text – ⚠️ Can sound repetitive. Mix with alternatives like “connect,” “follow up,” or “check in.”
Touch Base in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- “I’ll touch base with you next week regarding the contract.”
Social Media:
- “Let’s touch base soon and catch up on the project.”
News:
- “The manager will touch base with stakeholders before the announcement.”
Formal Writing:
- “It is essential to touch base with the team to ensure all deliverables are on track.”
Touchbase – Google Trends & Usage Data
According to search trends:
- “touch base” dominates global searches.
- “touchbase” is mostly US-centric and informal.
- Popularity spikes during business hours and weekdays, showing its corporate usage.
| Keyword | Global Popularity | US | UK | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| touch base | High | High | High | Formal/professional |
| touchbase | Medium | Medium | Low | Informal/casual |
Comparison Table – Keyword Variations
| Variation | Correctness | Usage Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| touch base | ✅ Correct | Professional, emails, writing | “We need to touch base tomorrow.” |
| touchbase | ⚠️ Informal | Casual messaging, online | “Let’s touchbase later.” |
| touch bases | ❌ Incorrect | Avoid | “Let’s touch bases today.” |
FAQs
1. Can I use “touchbase” in emails?
Yes, but only in casual or internal communications. Formal writing should use touch base.
2. Is “touch bases” correct?
No. The standard form is touch base.
3. Why do people write “touchbase” as one word?
It likely comes from digital shortcuts and informal writing habits.
4. Which is more common in the UK?
Touch base—the two-word version is universally accepted.
5. Can I use “touch base” in social media posts?
Absolutely. It’s informal-friendly but still clear and professional.
6. Does “touch base” always mean a short meeting?
Yes, it implies a brief check-in rather than a long discussion.
7. Is “touch base” considered American slang?
It originated in American baseball but is now widely recognized in global English.
Conclusion
In professional writing and business communication, always prefer touch base (two words). It’s the standard, formal, and universally understood form.
The one-word variant touchbase may appear in casual American emails or chats, but it’s not recommended for formal contexts.
Remember, using the correct spelling not only avoids confusion but also portrays professionalism and clarity in your communication. When in doubt, stick with the two-word version.
Knowing the origin, correct usage, and audience expectations ensures you always write confidently and accurately.
I’m Emma Collins, a grammar expert and author at Grammarnestly.com. I love helping readers master English with simple, practical grammar guides.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, coffee, and exploring the beauty of language.
