Understanding how to use the word “touches” correctly is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. This seemingly simple verb form can be used in a variety of contexts, each requiring a nuanced understanding of its grammatical function.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve their English skills, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to mastering the use of “touches.” We’ll explore its various forms, meanings, and applications, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to use it accurately and effectively.
This article is designed to benefit learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. By breaking down the complexities of “touches” into manageable sections, providing numerous examples, and offering practical exercises, we aim to make this topic accessible and engaging.
Get ready to dive into the world of grammar and unlock the full potential of this versatile word!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Touches”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Touches”
- Examples of “Touches” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Touches”
- Common Mistakes When Using “Touches”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of “Touches”
The word “touches” is the third-person singular simple present indicative form of the verb “to touch.” It describes the action of making physical contact with something, or, in a more abstract sense, affecting something or someone. Understanding its different functions and contexts is essential for accurate usage.
As a verb, “touches” indicates a single action performed by a singular subject in the present. It can refer to physical contact, emotional impact, or even a slight degree of something.
As a noun, although less common, “touches” can refer to small details or finishing elements that enhance something.
In linguistics, “touches” exemplifies the concept of verb conjugation, where the form of the verb changes based on the subject and tense. The word’s versatility lies in its ability to convey both concrete and abstract meanings, making it a valuable tool in the English language.
For example, “He touches the screen” is a literal use, while “His speech touches my heart” is a metaphorical one.
Structural Breakdown
The word “touches” is built upon the root verb “touch.” The addition of “-es” at the end signals that it is being used in the third-person singular present simple tense. This means the subject performing the action is a singular noun or pronoun like “he,” “she,” or “it.” This is a fundamental rule of English grammar known as subject-verb agreement.
The basic sentence structure involving “touches” is typically: Subject + Touches + Object/Complement. For instance, “She touches the painting” follows this structure. The object, in this case, “the painting,” receives the action of touching. The complement provides additional information about the subject or verb, such as, “He touches the surface gently.”
Understanding this structure helps in constructing grammatically correct sentences. It also allows for variations in sentence complexity by adding adverbs, adjectives, and prepositional phrases.
For example, “The artist carefully touches the delicate canvas with a soft brush” expands the basic structure with descriptive elements.
Types and Categories of “Touches”
“Touches” as a Verb
The primary function of “touches” is as a verb. In this role, it signifies an action performed by a singular subject in the present tense.
The action can be physical, emotional, or abstract.
Physical Touch: This refers to the literal act of making contact with something. Examples include: “He touches the keyboard,” or “She touches the cold glass.”
Emotional Impact: This describes the effect something has on someone’s feelings. Examples include: “The movie touches her heart,” or “His kindness touches everyone he meets.”
Abstract Meanings: This encompasses instances where “touches” implies a connection or relationship without physical contact. Examples include: “The issue touches on several important points,” or “This law touches upon fundamental rights.”
“Touches” as a Noun
While less common, “touches” can also function as a noun, usually in the plural form. In this context, it refers to small, often subtle, details or finishing elements that enhance something.
It often implies a sense of refinement or completion.
Examples of “touches” used as a noun include: “The chef added the final touches to the dish,” or “The decorator included elegant touches throughout the room.” These examples highlight how “touches” in its noun form signifies the small details that make something exceptional.
Examples of “Touches” in Sentences
To fully grasp the usage of “touches,” it’s essential to examine it in various contexts. This section provides extensive examples, organized by category, to illustrate its diverse applications.
“Touches” in the Present Simple Tense
The present simple tense is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and facts. When using “touches” in this tense with a singular subject, the “-es” ending is crucial for grammatical correctness.
The table below presents 30 examples showcasing “touches” in the present simple tense.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| He touches the screen to unlock his phone. | Describes a habitual action. |
| She touches her hair when she’s nervous. | Describes a recurring behavior. |
| It touches the ground lightly as it lands. | Describes how something interacts with the ground. |
| The sun touches the horizon at sunset. | Describes a natural phenomenon. |
| My dog touches my leg when he wants attention. | Describes an animal’s behavior. |
| The wind touches the leaves, making them rustle. | Describes an action of the wind. |
| This key touches the lock mechanism. | Describes how a key interacts with a lock. |
| The branch touches the window during storms. | Describes a recurring event during storms. |
| He often touches his beard when thinking. | Describes a habit. |
| She touches the piano keys with grace. | Describes the manner of playing. |
| The artist touches up the painting with fine strokes. | Describes the artist’s work. |
| The child touches the toy gently. | Describes a child’s interaction with a toy. |
| The dancer touches the floor lightly. | Describes a dancer’s movement. |
| The feather touches the water’s surface. | Describes a light contact. |
| The frost touches the grass in the morning. | Describes a morning phenomenon. |
| The light touches the room beautifully. | Describes how light affects the room. |
| The music touches her soul deeply. | Describes an emotional effect. |
| The story touches upon important social issues. | Describes the subject of the story. |
| The film touches on themes of love and loss. | Describes the themes of the film. |
| He touches the past when he visits his childhood home. | Describes a connection to the past. |
| She touches the future with her innovative ideas. | Describes the impact of her ideas. |
| It touches the heart to see such kindness. | Describes an emotionally moving sight. |
| The news touches everyone in the community. | Describes the widespread impact of the news. |
| The project touches on various aspects of the business. | Describes the scope of the project. |
| The agreement touches several key issues. | Describes the content of the agreement. |
| The research touches on new discoveries. | Describes the focus of the research. |
| The conversation touches sensitive topics. | Describes the nature of the conversation. |
| The lesson touches on important historical events. | Describes the subject of the lesson. |
| The debate touches on the core values of the society. | Describes the central issues of the debate. |
| The design touches all elements of the brand. | Describes the comprehensive nature of the design. |
“Touches” in Third-Person Singular
As mentioned earlier, “touches” is specifically used with third-person singular subjects. These subjects include “he,” “she,” “it,” and singular nouns that can be replaced by these pronouns.
This grammatical rule is fundamental to correct sentence construction.
Here are 25 examples demonstrating the use of “touches” with third-person singular subjects.
| Sentence | Subject |
|---|---|
| He touches the painting gently. | He |
| She touches the plant to check if it needs water. | She |
| It touches the sensor, activating the alarm. | It |
| The cat touches my leg, wanting food. | The cat |
| My mother touches my hand when she’s worried. | My mother |
| The wind touches the trees, causing them to sway. | The wind |
| His story touches everyone who hears it. | His story |
| Her performance touches the audience deeply. | Her performance |
| The music touches my heart. | The music |
| The book touches on many important issues. | The book |
| The artist touches the canvas with precision. | The artist |
| The chef touches the food with care. | The chef |
| The dancer touches the stage gracefully. | The dancer |
| The athlete touches the finish line. | The athlete |
| The teacher touches the student’s shoulder to offer support. | The teacher |
| The river touches the banks of the city. | The river |
| The train touches the station briefly. | The train |
| The plane touches the runway smoothly. | The plane |
| The car touches the brakes suddenly. | The car |
| The computer touches the network when it connects. | The computer |
| The software touches sensitive data carefully. | The software |
| The policy touches upon fundamental rights. | The policy |
| The decision touches the lives of many people. | The decision |
| The amendment touches on the core values of the constitution. | The amendment |
| The discovery touches all fields of science. | The discovery |
“Touches” in Abstract Contexts
“Touches” is not limited to physical contact. It can also be used to describe abstract connections, influences, or impacts.
These usages add depth and nuance to communication.
The following table provides 20 examples of “touches” used in abstract contexts.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The issue touches on questions of ethics. | Indicates the issue is related to ethics. |
| Her story touches on themes of resilience. | Indicates the story explores resilience. |
| The policy touches upon fundamental rights. | Indicates the policy affects fundamental rights. |
| His work touches the lives of many people. | Indicates his work has a positive impact. |
| The music touches my soul. | Indicates the music moves her deeply. |
| The film touches the audience emotionally. | Indicates the film evokes emotions. |
| The book touches upon sensitive topics. | Indicates the book addresses delicate issues. |
| The conversation touches on several key points. | Indicates the conversation covers important topics. |
| The project touches all aspects of the business. | Indicates the project is comprehensive. |
| The research touches on new and exciting discoveries. | Indicates the research is innovative. |
| The agreement touches several crucial areas. | Indicates the agreement covers important topics. |
| The lesson touches on important historical events. | Indicates the lesson covers significant historical events. |
| The debate touches on the core values of society. | Indicates the debate addresses fundamental societal values. |
| Her art touches on themes of identity and belonging. | Indicates her art explores identity and belonging. |
| His speech touches on issues of social justice. | Indicates his speech addresses social justice issues. |
| The course touches on various aspects of management. | Indicates the course covers different management areas. |
| The seminar touches on the latest technological advancements. | Indicates the seminar discusses recent technology. |
| The report touches on several areas of concern. | Indicates the report identifies problematic areas. |
| The play touches on the complexities of human relationships. | Indicates the play explores the nuances of relationships. |
| The documentary touches on the environmental impact of industry. | Indicates the documentary addresses environmental issues. |
Metaphorical Uses of Touches
The verb “touches” can be used metaphorically to convey meanings beyond the literal act of making contact. This adds richness and depth to language, allowing for more expressive communication.
Here are 20 examples showing the metaphorical use of “touches.”
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| His words touches a nerve. | Meaning: His words address a sensitive issue. |
| The news touches his conscience. | Meaning: The news affects his moral sense. |
| The problem touches the core of the matter. | Meaning: The problem addresses the central issue. |
| The scandal touches the reputation of the company. | Meaning: The scandal affects the company’s reputation. |
| The crisis touches every aspect of their lives. | Meaning: The crisis affects all areas of their lives. |
| Her performance touches the hearts of the audience. | Meaning: Her performance deeply moves the audience. |
| The story touches the reader’s imagination. | Meaning: The story stimulates the reader’s imagination. |
| The music touches the deepest parts of my soul. | Meaning: The music profoundly affects my emotions. |
| The experience touches his sense of adventure. | Meaning: The experience excites his adventurous spirit. |
| The challenge touches her competitive spirit. | Meaning: The challenge motivates her to compete. |
| The opportunity touches his entrepreneurial drive. | Meaning: The opportunity stimulates his desire to start a business. |
| The project touches on the cutting edge of technology. | Meaning: The project involves the most advanced technology. |
| The speech touches on the hopes and dreams of the nation. | Meaning: The speech addresses the aspirations of the country. |
| The debate touches on the fundamental principles of justice. | Meaning: The debate discusses the core ideas of fairness. |
| The decision touches on issues of fairness and equality. | Meaning: The decision affects matters of fairness and equality. |
| The research touches on unexplored areas of science. | Meaning: The research investigates new scientific fields. |
| The investigation touches on corruption at the highest levels. | Meaning: The investigation examines corruption among top officials. |
| The reform touches on every aspect of the healthcare system. | Meaning: The reform affects all parts of the healthcare system. |
| The amendment touches on the core values of the constitution. | Meaning: The amendment affects the fundamental principles of the constitution. |
| The discovery touches all fields of scientific inquiry. | Meaning: The discovery influences all areas of scientific investigation. |
“Touches” as a Noun Examples
While less common than its verb form, “touches” can also function as a noun, usually in the plural form. It refers to small details that enhance or complete something.
This usage adds a sense of refinement or elegance.
Here are 15 examples illustrating “touches” used as a noun.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The decorator added the final touches to the room. | Refers to the finishing details. |
| The chef included gourmet touches in the meal. | Refers to high-quality, refined details. |
| The artist added subtle touches to the painting. | Refers to delicate, refined details. |
| The writer included personal touches in the story. | Refers to intimate, unique details. |
| The musician added creative touches to the song. | Refers to innovative, artistic details. |
| The designer incorporated modern touches into the building. | Refers to contemporary, stylish details. |
| The gardener added colorful touches to the landscape. | Refers to vibrant, decorative details. |
| The event planner added elegant touches to the wedding. | Refers to sophisticated, refined details. |
| The baker added sweet touches to the dessert. | Refers to sugary, delightful details. |
| The stylist added fashionable touches to the outfit. | Refers to trendy, stylish details. |
| The company added innovative touches to the product. | Refers to inventive, groundbreaking details. |
| The software developer added user-friendly touches to the interface. | Refers to accessible, convenient details. |
| The architect added sustainable touches to the design. | Refers to eco-friendly, environmentally conscious details. |
| The team added professional touches to the presentation. | Refers to polished, sophisticated details. |
| The project manager added organizational touches to the workflow. | Refers to efficient, structured details. |
Usage Rules for “Touches”
To use “touches” correctly, it’s crucial to understand the rules that govern its usage. These rules primarily involve subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and the appropriate use of prepositions.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Subject-verb agreement is a fundamental rule in English grammar. It states that the verb must agree in number with its subject. Since “touches” is the third-person singular form of the verb “touch,” it must be used with singular subjects like “he,” “she,” “it,” or singular nouns that can be replaced by these pronouns. For plural subjects, the base form “touch” is used.
Correct: He touches the screen. (Singular subject, singular verb form)
Incorrect: He touch the screen. (Singular subject, plural verb form)
Correct: They touch the screen. (Plural subject, plural verb form)
Incorrect: They touches the screen. (Plural subject, singular verb form)
Tense Consistency
Tense consistency is important for maintaining clarity in writing. When using “touches,” ensure that the surrounding sentences are in the appropriate tense. If you’re describing a present action or a habitual action, the present simple tense is appropriate. However, if you’re describing a past action, you would use the past tense form, “touched.”
Correct: He touches the button, and the machine starts. (Present simple tense)
Incorrect: He touches the button, and the machine started. (Inconsistent tenses)
Correct: He touched the button, and the machine started. (Past simple tense)
Incorrect: He touched the button, and the machine starts. (Inconsistent tenses)
Prepositions with “Touches”
The verb “touch” and its form “touches” are often used with prepositions to convey specific meanings. Some common prepositions used with “touch” include “on,” “upon,” and “with.”
Touches on/upon: Indicates that something briefly mentions or deals with a topic. Example: “The report touches on the issue of climate change.”
Touches with: Indicates the use of something to make contact. Example: “He touches the canvas with a brush.”
Using the correct preposition is crucial for conveying the intended meaning accurately. Incorrect preposition usage can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
Common Mistakes When Using “Touches”
Even experienced English speakers sometimes make mistakes when using “touches.” Understanding these common errors can help you avoid them and improve your accuracy.
Incorrect Verb Form
One common mistake is using the incorrect verb form with singular subjects. For example, using “touch” instead of “touches” with “he,” “she,” or “it.”
Incorrect: She touch the piano.
Correct: She touches the piano.
Another error is using “touches” with plural subjects.
Incorrect: They touches the screen.
Correct: They touch the screen.
Subject-Verb Disagreement
Subject-verb disagreement occurs when the verb does not agree in number with its subject. This is a common error, especially for learners who are not yet fully comfortable with English grammar rules.
Incorrect: The cat touches my legs.
Correct: The cat touches my leg.
In the incorrect example, “legs” is plural, but the sentence is referring to one leg at a time. The correct example uses the singular “leg,” aligning with the singular action of touching.
Wrong Preposition
Using the wrong preposition with “touches” can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. For example, using “at” instead of “on” or “upon” when discussing a topic.
Incorrect: The article touches at the problem.
Correct: The article touches on the problem.
The correct preposition “on” indicates that the article briefly deals with the problem. The preposition “at” does not convey the same meaning in this context.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of “touches,” complete the following practice exercises. These exercises cover various aspects of its usage, including subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and preposition usage.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb “touch” (touch or touches).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| He _______ the painting with care. | touches |
| She _______ the keys gently. | touches |
| It _______ the sensor and activates the alarm. | touches |
| The sun _______ the horizon at dawn. | touches |
| My dog _______ my hand when he wants food. | touches |
| The wind _______ the leaves softly. | touches |
| This key _______ the lock mechanism. | touches |
| The branch _______ the window during storms. | touches |
| He often _______ his beard when thinking. | touches |
| She _______ the screen to start the video. | touches |
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences, identifying and fixing any errors related to the use of “touches.”
| Question | Corrected Answer |
|---|---|
| He touch the screen. | He touches the screen. |
| She touches the piano keys gentle. | She touches the piano keys gently. |
| They touches the button. | They touch the button. |
| The cat touches my legs when wanting attention. | The cat touches my leg when it wants attention. |
| My mother touch my hand when she is worried. | My mother touches my hand when she is worried. |
| The wind touches at the trees. | The wind touches the trees. |
| His story touch everyone who hears it. | His story touches everyone who hears it. |
| Her performance touch the audience deeply. | Her performance touches the audience deeply. |
| The music touches to my heart. | The music touches my heart. |
| The book touches at many important issues. | The book touches on many important issues. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create sentences using “touches” based on the following prompts. Focus on using correct subject-verb agreement and appropriate context.
| Prompt | Example Answer |
|---|---|
| Describe what a musician does with their instrument. | The musician touches the strings of the guitar. |
| Describe how a device interacts with a surface. | The stylus touches the tablet screen. |
| Describe the effect of a story on someone. | The story touches her deeply. |
| Describe what a teacher might do to offer support. | The teacher touches the student’s shoulder reassuringly. |
| Describe how light affects a room. | Sunlight touches the room, filling it with warmth. |
| Explain how a policy relates to fundamental rights. | The policy touches upon fundamental rights. |
| Describe the relationship between a river and its banks. | The river touches the banks of the city. |
| Describe how frost appears on grass in the morning. | Frost touches the grass in the early morning. |
| Explain what a project might address in a business. | The project touches all aspects of the business. |
| Describe how a car interacts with the road. | The tires touches the road firmly. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and idiomatic expressions associated with “touch” and “touches” can further enhance their grasp of the English language.
Idiomatic Expressions with “Touch”
Several idiomatic expressions use the word “touch” to convey specific meanings. These expressions often have figurative meanings that differ from the literal definition of “touch.”
Stay in touch: To maintain communication with someone.
Example: “I will stay in touch after the conference.”
Lose touch: To no longer communicate with someone.
Example: “We lost touch after he moved to another country.”
A touch of: A small amount of something.
Example: “The soup needs a touch of salt.”
Out of touch: Not aware of current events or trends.
Example: “He is out of touch with modern technology.”
Understanding these idiomatic expressions can improve your ability to comprehend and use English in a more natural and nuanced way.
Nuances in Meaning
The meaning of “touches” can vary depending on the context. It can imply a gentle contact, a significant impact, or a brief mention.
Recognizing these nuances is crucial for accurate interpretation and effective communication.
For example, “He touches the screen” implies a simple physical action. However, “His speech touches my heart” implies a profound emotional impact.
The subtle differences in meaning are determined by the surrounding words and the overall context of the sentence.
By paying close attention to context, you can develop a deeper understanding of the various meanings and applications of “touches” and use it with greater precision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “touches” in sentences, along with detailed answers to help clarify any remaining confusion.
Q1: When should I use “touch” instead of “touches”?
A: Use “touch” when the subject is plural (e.g., they, we, you, cats, people) or when using the infinitive form of the verb (e.g., to touch). Use “touches” when the subject is a singular third-person pronoun (e.g., he, she, it) or a singular noun that can be replaced by one of these pronouns (e.g., the cat, my mother, the wind). This is a fundamental rule of subject-verb agreement in English.
Q2: Can “touches” be used in past or future tenses?
A: No, “touches” is specifically the third-person singular form of the verb in the present simple tense. To use it in other tenses, you would use “touched” for the past tense (e.g., He touched the screen) and “will touch” or “is going to touch” for the future tense (e.g., He will touch the screen; He is going to touch the screen).
Q3: How can I avoid subject-verb agreement errors with “touches”?
A: The key is to identify the subject of the sentence and determine whether it is singular or plural. If the subject is singular and in the third person (he, she, it), use “touches.” If the subject is plural, use “touch.” Double-check your sentences to ensure that the verb form matches the subject.
Q4: What are some common prepositions used with “touches,” and what do they mean?
A: Common prepositions include “on” and “upon,” which often mean “deals with” or “mentions” in an abstract sense (e.g., The report touches on several key issues). “With” is used to describe the instrument used for touching (e.g., He touches the canvas with a brush). The correct preposition depends on the intended meaning, so choosing carefully is important.
Q5: Can “touches” be used in passive voice constructions?
A: Yes, though less common. In the passive voice, “touches” would be part of a construction like “is touched.” For example: “The painting is touched by the artist.” This construction shifts the focus from the subject performing the action to the object receiving the action.
Q6: Is it correct to say “touches to” instead of “touches on”?
A: In most contexts, “touches on” is the correct prepositional phrase to use when you mean to briefly discuss or mention a topic. “Touches to” is not a standard or commonly accepted phrase with the same meaning.
Q7: How do I know if “touches” is being used as a verb or a noun in a sentence?
A: Context is crucial. If “touches” is the action being performed by a subject, it’s a verb. If it’s referring to small details or finishing elements, it’s a noun (usually plural). For example, “She touches the keys” (verb) vs. “The room had elegant touches” (noun).
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “touches” in sentences requires a solid understanding of English grammar rules, particularly subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and preposition usage. By studying the examples provided, completing the practice exercises, and understanding the common mistakes, you can improve your accuracy and confidence in using this versatile verb form.
Remember to pay close attention to context and practice regularly to solidify your knowledge. With dedication and effort, you can confidently and correctly use “touches” in your writing and speaking, enhancing your overall communication skills.