a point of contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"a point of contact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or place (virtual or physical) that provides a way of connecting with something or someone. For example: "My professor gave me their office phone number as a point of contact if I have any questions about the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

During the campaign, Trump asked Kushner to be "a point of contact for foreign government officials".

The New Yorker

I saw him as a point of contact... in a very complex process".

The Guardian

Second, it existed then and now, so it provides a point of contact for readers.

The Guardian

As the other replies have said, we can act as a point of contact for other parts of our networks.

The Guardian

The new supervisory board would provide a point of contact for whistleblowers wanting to expose tax cheats.

The Guardian - Business

Carlisle's background seems to have provided a point of contact with many of the artists she meets.

The New York Times - Books

"We have a point of contact with the NGBs [national governing bodies] and they liaise directly with delegations of staff.

The Guardian - Sport

Dylan likes listening to pop music on his Walkman, which becomes a point of contact between him and Irem.

The New York Times - Books

Residencies and their residents can connect, they can enrich and act a point of contact between reader and writer.

The Guardian - Books

For now, investigators seemed to think that the two met that Sunday in the park, which Mr. Dangler, the prosecutor, called a "point of contact".

The New York Times

But a pair of articles in the June issue of American Cinematographer suggests a point of contact between the two movies: technique.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a point of contact", clearly state their name, title, and how they can be reached (e.g., email address or phone number).

Common error

Avoid simply stating someone is "a point of contact" without specifying their responsibilities or the type of inquiries they can handle. Provide context for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a point of contact" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It designates an individual, department, or resource serving as a communication channel or facilitator. Ludwig confirms its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a point of contact" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe a person, department, or resource that serves as a primary communication channel. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. It is generally considered neutral to professional in register, making it suitable for formal communications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the responsibilities and contact details of the designated point of contact. Consider alternatives like "liaison" or "key contact" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key contact

This highlights the importance or primary nature of the contact.

a designated contact

This suggests that someone has been officially appointed as the contact person.

a liaison

This alternative is a more concise term indicating someone who facilitates communication.

a go-to person

This option suggests someone who is relied upon for assistance or information.

an intermediary

This term suggests someone who acts as a mediator between parties.

a representative

This option emphasizes the role of someone acting on behalf of an organization.

a link

This term suggests a connection or relationship between two entities.

a reference person

This alternative shifts the focus to providing references or information.

a channel of communication

This focuses on the method or system used for communication.

a touchpoint

This term, often used in marketing, refers to any interaction a customer has with a business.

FAQs

How can I use "a point of contact" in a sentence?

You can use "a point of contact" to refer to a person or department that can be contacted for specific information or assistance. For example, "Please use John Doe as "key contact" for all media inquiries".

What are some alternatives to "a point of contact"?

Alternatives include "a liaison", "an intermediary", "a representative", or "a key contact", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "point of contact" or "contact person"?

Both are acceptable, but "point of contact" is often used in more formal or official contexts, while "contact person" may sound slightly more informal. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

What is the difference between "a point of contact" and "a contact person"?

While largely interchangeable, "a point of contact" can sometimes refer to a specific place, department, or system, whereas "a contact person" always refers to an individual.