been in contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"been in contact" is correct and usable in written English, and it can be used to mean to have spoken to or interacted with someone.
Example: I contacted her earlier today and she said she had been in contact with her lawyer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

(3) They haven't been in contact.

The Guardian - Film

"We've been in contact again," Sendak said.

The New Yorker

"I have not been in contact with investigators," Castile said.

The Guardian

We have been in contact with development organisations.

The Guardian

"Apparently MI6 have been in contact with him for years".

The New York Times

"I've been in contact with the wedding chapels and everybody.

The Guardian

Has the government been in contact with Coke?

The Guardian

We have been in contact with the Pentagon already.

The Guardian - Tech

They had not been in contact for years.

The New York Times

All had been in contact with sick animals.

The Economist

We've been in contact a lot but I'm really looking forward to getting back now".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating past communication, clearly specify the time frame (e.g., "We have "been in contact" recently") or the context of the communication to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "been in contact" without specifying when the contact occurred. Saying "We have "been in contact"" can be vague. Instead, specify the timeframe: "We have "been in contact" this week" or "We "been in contact" since last month".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been in contact" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of communication or interaction between two or more parties. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, denoting an established connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "been in contact" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to indicate that communication or interaction has taken place between parties. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is most frequently found in news and media reporting. When using this phrase, it is important to provide context regarding the timing or nature of the contact to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "communicated with", "spoken to", or "reached out to" can be used for variety or to specify the type of interaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communicated with

This phrase replaces "been in contact" with a more direct verb, focusing on the act of conveying information.

reached out to

Highlights the effort made to establish communication.

got in touch with

An informal alternative, emphasizing the initiation of communication.

spoken to

Replaces "contact" with a focus on verbal communication.

connected with

Suggests a sense of relationship or understanding established through communication.

interacted with

A broad term indicating any form of engagement or exchange.

corresponded with

Suggests a formal or written exchange of information.

liaised with

Implies a professional or collaborative communication.

maintained communication with

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the contact.

had dealings with

Suggests a more formal or transactional interaction.

FAQs

What does "been in contact" mean?

The phrase "been in contact" means that someone has communicated or interacted with another person or entity, whether through speaking, writing, or other means of communication.

How can I use "been in contact" in a sentence?

You can use "been in contact" in a sentence like this: "I've "reached out to" the client, and we have "been in contact" regarding the project updates."

What are some alternatives to saying "been in contact"?

Instead of saying "been in contact", you can use phrases such as "communicated with", "spoken to", or "reached out to", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was in contact" instead of "been in contact"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they imply different timeframes. "Was in contact" refers to a specific instance in the past, while "been in contact" implies a continuing or repeated series of interactions up to the present.