Keep in Touch: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：maintain contact (keep in touch)

keep in touch 🔊

/kiːp ɪn tʌtʃ/

phr.v.

To continue talking or writing to someone so you don't forget each other.

Two people video calling to keep in touch across distance

maintain contact 🔊

➕

/meɪnˈteɪn ˈkɒntækt/

phr.v.

To remain in communication with someone, usually by phone, email, or regular meetings, so that you do not lose the relationship.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Keep (Old English 'cēpan'), in (Latin), touch (Old French 'tochier').

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a chain of hands touching to symbolize continuous contact.

📖 Example

After moving to a new city, I keep in touch with my family through weekly video calls. 🔊 After moving to a new city, I keep in touch with my family through weekly video calls.

🔗 Collocations

keep in touch with – maintain contact with someone

stay in touch – continue to communicate

lose touch – cease to communicate

🔄 Synonyms

stay connected (phr.v.) – to maintain communication with someone

correspond (v.) – to exchange letters or emails regularly

communicate (v.) – to share information or feelings with someone

🚫 Antonyms

lose touch (phr.v.) – to cease communication with someone

lose contact (phr.v.) – to no longer be able to communicate

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase emerged in the 19th century with postal and telegraph services, urging people to maintain contact despite distance.