close contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where individuals are in close physical proximity to one another, often in contexts related to health, safety, or relationships. Example: "Due to the recent outbreak, anyone who has been in close contact with an infected person is advised to self-isolate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Staph spreads through close contact.

The New York Times - Science

But they are in very close contact.

The New York Times

She keeps in close contact with them.

The New Yorker

This is a very close contact phenomenon".

The New York Times

"We all kept in close contact.

The New York Times

Close contact with industry is stimulating.

Chemical Engineering Science

We are in close contact with him and his agent".

The Guardian - Sport

"We'd been in close contact with ING," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

He himself was in close contact with the beyond.

The New Yorker

The close contact makes these figures seem familiar.

The New York Times - Arts

I like to be in close contact, if you like".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about health-related topics, specify the type of "close contact" to provide clarity. For example, specify if it involves skin-to-skin contact, sharing of bodily fluids, or being in close proximity for an extended period.

Common error

Avoid using "close contact" when a more specific description is possible. Instead of saying, "They were in close contact," consider specifying the nature of their interaction, such as "They collaborated closely" or "They communicated frequently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close contact" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing physical proximity or interaction between individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close contact" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes nearness or interaction between people or things. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, particularly in news, scientific, and general contexts. While generally appropriate, specifying the type of "close contact" can enhance clarity and avoid overuse in general contexts. Remember to use it appropriately to describe anything from physical relationships to a way that diseases can be transmitted between individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close interaction

Highlights the fact that there is interaction between the parts involved, focusing on interaction and relationship and not necessarily the physical proximity.

physical proximity

Focuses specifically on the physical nearness between individuals or objects, omitting the relational aspect.

intimate contact

Implies a degree of personal involvement or emotional connection not necessarily present in the original phrase.

direct interaction

Emphasizes the act of communication or engagement, rather than the spatial relationship.

personal interaction

Highlights the human element of the exchange, potentially excluding contact with objects or environments.

proximate relationship

Emphasizes the relational aspect, suggesting a connection that exists due to nearness.

immediate vicinity

Refers to the surrounding area and does not carry the connotation of interaction or relationship.

near engagement

Suggests a state of being actively involved and has less to do with physical proximity.

adjacent position

Highlights the side by side arrangement and does not imply interaction.

in touch

Refers specifically to ongoing communication, excluding physical proximity.

FAQs

How is "close contact" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "close contact" is used to describe situations where individuals are in close physical proximity to one another. For example, "The virus spreads through "close contact" with infected individuals".

What are some alternatives to "close contact"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "physical proximity", "direct interaction", or "intimate contact".

Is it correct to use "close contact" in a formal setting?

Yes, "close contact" is appropriate for formal settings, especially when discussing health, safety, or professional relationships. It's a neutral and widely understood term. The level of formality can depend on the surrounding text.

What's the difference between "close contact" and "casual contact"?

"Close contact" implies a sustained period of nearness or physical interaction, while "casual contact" suggests a brief and less intimate encounter. The distinction is important in epidemiological studies.