a new acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a new acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone you have recently met and are getting to know. Example: "At the networking event, I had the chance to chat with a new acquaintance who shares my interests in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Goodman was talking to a new acquaintance in New Orleans, and the subject of Katrina came up.

The New York Times

A new acquaintance?

The New Yorker

I asked a new acquaintance how he would answer.

The New Yorker

WASHINGTON — I made a new acquaintance the other day in Washington.

The New York Times

People may forget an appointment or the name of a new acquaintance.

Harvard University

The individual may forget an appointment or the name of a new acquaintance.

Harvard University

"I hear you are good in your field," I mention tentatively to a new acquaintance.

The New York Times

Turning to a new acquaintance before setting off on his journey, he sought some reassurance.

The New York Times

But almost 23 percent said their most recent sex was with a "friend" or a "new acquaintance".

The New York Times

She contracts oral herpes, but that doesn't discourage her from the next opportunity, with a new acquaintance in Perugia.

The New Yorker

If we've invited a new acquaintance to socialize, and they haven't responded, we may assume that they've written us off.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a new acquaintance" to others, provide some context to spark conversation and help them connect.

Common error

Avoid using "a new acquaintance" in highly formal contexts where terms like "colleague" or "contact" might be more appropriate to convey respect and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a new acquaintance" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to a person one has recently met and with whom one has a superficial or initial relationship. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to introduce or describe someone recently encountered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a new acquaintance" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe someone you've recently met. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. While versatile, considering the register is crucial; more formal terms may be preferable in certain settings. Related phrases include "a recent contact" and "someone I just met". Remember to provide context when introducing "a new acquaintance" and avoid overusing the term in highly formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

someone I just met

Directly states the act of meeting someone recently.

a recent contact

Focuses on the recency of the interaction.

a fresh connection

Emphasizes the newness and potential of the relationship.

a budding friendship

Highlights the early stages of a developing friendship.

a person I've recently encountered

More formal and descriptive way to express meeting someone new.

a casual acquaintance

Specifies the level of closeness in the relationship.

a newfound associate

Uses a more formal term for someone newly met.

an unfamiliar face

Focuses on the lack of prior knowledge of the person.

a recent introduction

Highlights the act of being introduced to someone.

a first-time encounter

Emphasizes that this is the initial meeting.

FAQs

How can I use "a new acquaintance" in a sentence?

You might say, "I met "a new acquaintance" at the conference who works in a similar field".

What's the difference between "a new acquaintance" and "a friend"?

"A new acquaintance" is someone you've recently met, while a "friend" is someone you have a closer, more established relationship with.

What are some alternative ways to say "a new acquaintance"?

Consider using phrases like "a recent contact", "a fresh connection", or "someone I just met" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a new acquaintance" in professional writing?

Yes, but consider the context. In formal reports, using terms like "colleague" or "contact" might be more suitable. "A new acquaintance" works well in less formal business communications.