a mutual contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mutual contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person who is a shared connection between two or more parties. Example: "I reached out to Sarah because she is a mutual contact between us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Even without a mutual contact, Magic Garden faithful say they share a common attitude and understanding.

The New York Times

However, if users want to communicate with anyone beyond the first degree -- mostly immediate friends -- they must be referred by a mutual contact.

The New York Times

The message, through a mutual contact, was sent days after the revelations that the News of the World had hacked murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler's phone, causing a wave of revulsion in parliament and among the general public.

The Guardian

English says Kayak's origins date back to 2003 when he was introduced to his co-founder Steve Hafner through a mutual contact.

TechCrunch

And we'll simply use the same methods described above – We'll try first for a mutual contact to introduce us, but we're definitely not afraid to cold call.

TechCrunch

If you found the recruiter through a mutual contact, make sure to mention the person's name, and suggest some good times to call you back.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Instead, the squamosal and postorbital have a long mutual contact, forming a wide imperforate bar between the infratemporal and supratemporal fenestra.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

They get to view a parent's profile and any mutual contacts before accepting a sit.

TechCrunch

You don't need to have any mutual contacts; those passing through for a night are as welcome as old friends.

The Guardian - Travel

For a little added context the app also foregrounds whether the two of you have any mutual contacts on other social services (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn — if you've link those accounts).

TechCrunch

An increment of Vout up to three times is achieved by a monolayer of aligned cylindrical fibers in mutual contact compared with a film of same thickness and under the same applied pressure.

Advanced Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking an introduction, always ask your "a mutual contact" if they are comfortable making the connection before assuming they will.

Common error

Avoid overstating your relationship with "a mutual contact". Be clear about the extent of your connection to manage expectations and avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mutual contact" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a person known by both the speaker and the recipient, facilitating introductions or providing context, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mutual contact" is a noun phrase denoting a shared acquaintance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using "a mutual contact", it's crucial to seek permission before name-dropping and to accurately represent the nature of the relationship. Alternatives include "a common acquaintance" or "a shared connection". Leveraging "a mutual contact" effectively can significantly enhance networking and professional endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mutual acquaintance

Similar meaning, but uses "acquaintance" suggesting a less intimate relationship.

a common acquaintance

Emphasizes a casual, shared knowledge between individuals rather than a professional connection.

a shared connection

Highlights the aspect of having a link or bond that is jointly held.

a common link

Focuses on the link itself, rather than the person acting as the connection.

a linking contact

Describes the contact as actively creating a link between people.

an intermediary

Highlights the role of the person as a go-between or mediator.

a go-between

Informal term for someone who mediates or connects people.

a facilitator

Suggests the contact actively helps or enables interaction between people.

a bridge

Metaphorically represents the contact as something that connects two parties.

a referee

Someone to vouch for your experience and ability.

FAQs

How can I use "a mutual contact" to my advantage in networking?

Leverage "a mutual contact" by asking for an introduction or referral. This adds credibility and warmth to your approach, making the connection more receptive.

What's the difference between "a mutual contact" and a "cold contact"?

"A mutual contact" implies a pre-existing connection that can vouch for you, while a cold contact means reaching out to someone with no prior relationship or shared acquaintance. The former generally has a higher success rate.

What can I say instead of "a mutual contact"?

You can use alternatives like "a common acquaintance", "a shared connection", or "a mutual acquaintance" depending on the context.

Is it always beneficial to mention "a mutual contact" when reaching out to someone?

Yes, mentioning "a mutual contact" can be highly beneficial as it provides context and a degree of trust. However, always ensure you have permission from the contact to use their name.