Stay in Touch: Definition, Meaning and Origin

Last Updated on
May 14, 2023

The idiom "stay in touch" means to maintain contact or communication with someone. When you say you'll "stay in touch" with someone, you are expressing an intention to keep communicating or connecting with them.

In short:

"Stay in touch" implies maintaining contact or communication with someone.

What Does "Stay in Touch" Mean?

People use the idiom "stay in touch" when they want to express their intent to keep up communication or connection with someone. This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal contexts, and it often communicates a sense of ongoing engagement or relationship.

Key aspects of the idiom's meaning include:

  • Expressing an intention to maintain communication
  • Conveying a desire to keep up a relationship
  • Used in both formal and informal settings

The idiom is often used to indicate that the speaker wishes to continue interacting or communicating with the person they're speaking to, even after a period of separation or distance.

Where Does "Stay in Touch" Come From?

The phrase "stay in touch" is a relatively modern idiom in the English language, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the advent of more accessible and widespread communication technologies such as the telephone and, later, the internet.

Historical Example

"Their traveling men come through there every now and then, you know, and, of course , we stay in touch with them, and the other mills."

- Investigation of Cottonseed Industry: Letter from the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, 1930

10 Examples of "Stay in Touch" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom "stay in touch" used in various contexts:

  • This, too, shall pass. I hope we can stay in touch after the arrangements.
  • She's been trying to stay in touch with her old friends from college to no avail.
  • We should stay in touch, and it's been too long since we last met.
  • Even though we live in different cities, we manage to stay in touch.
  • My teacher asked me to stay in touch after I graduated.
  • Have a safe trip! Let's stay in touch over the summer holidays.
  • Despite their busy schedules, they managed to stay in touch.
  • I log in to my social media accounts every day to stay in touch with friends and family.
  • He promised to stay in touch after he moved away.
  • Staying in touch with old colleagues can provide valuable networking opportunities.

Examples of "Stay in Touch" in Pop Culture

The phrase has appeared in various forms of media and pop culture:

  • “Stay in Touch” is a song by the American rock band Interpol.
  • "He then requested the contact information of another soldier with whom he wished to stay in touch." —Lopez D. Matthews, Howard University in the World Wars.
  • "The therapeutic nature of the interview sessions also seemed to act as an added incentive for the wives to stay in touch with the researcher." —David E. Gray, Doing Research in the Business World.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Stay in Touch"

There are several other ways to express the meaning of "stay in touch" in English.

Some of these alternatives include:

  • Keep in touch
  • Maintain communication
  • Keep up with
  • Keep connected
  • Remain in contact
  • Keep the lines of communication open

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Stay in Touch":

  • What does "stay in touch" mean?

"Stay in touch" means to maintain contact or communication with someone.

  • Where does the phrase come from?

The phrase "stay in touch" originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the advent of communication technologies like the telephone and later the internet, which made keeping in contact over distances easier.

  • How can I use "stay in touch" in a sentence?

You can use "stay in touch" in a sentence to express your intention to keep communicating with someone, such as, "Even though we're graduating, let's stay in touch."

  • Is "stay in touch" a formal or informal phrase?

'Stay in touch' is a versatile phrase that can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the context.

  • What is the best way to respond when someone says, "Stay in touch"?

Some good ways to respond when someone says "stay in touch" to you include: "Definitely," "Count on it," and "I will, thanks. And same to you."

  • Can "stay in touch" be used in a professional context?

Yes, "stay in touch" can be used in a professional context to suggest maintaining a professional relationship or communication, especially with colleagues or business associates.

  • What are some synonyms for "stay in touch"?

Some synonyms for "stay in touch" include "keep in contact," "maintain communication," "keep up with," "keep connected," and "remain in contact."

  • Is "stay in touch" an expression of politeness?

Yes, "stay in touch" can be an expression of politeness, often used as a farewell phrase expressing the speaker's intent to maintain contact.

  • What is the best way to use "stay in touch" in a casual conversation?

In a casual conversation, you can use "stay in touch" to express your desire to keep up communication with someone. For example, "It was great catching up with you, let's stay in touch."

  • Can "stay in touch" imply an obligation to communicate regularly?

While "stay in touch" suggests an intention to maintain contact, it doesn't necessarily imply an obligation to communicate regularly. It more generally suggests a desire to not lose contact completely.

Final Thoughts About "Stay in Touch"

In essence, "stay in touch" is a phrase that expresses a desire to maintain contact or communication with someone. It is used in a variety of contexts, from informal conversations to formal business settings. The phrase, rooted in the advent of communication technologies, is now a standard part of our language that is universally understood.

Key aspects of the phrase:

  • It signifies the intention to maintain contact or communication
  • It has its origins in the advent of communication technologies
  • It can be used in both formal and informal contexts

"Stay in touch" is a short phrase with a big message. It reflects our human need for connection. Though straightforward, it implies something deeper - the desire to nurture bonds, to value others enough to reach out, and to strengthen ties that bind us.

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