comes into contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"comes into contact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe physical contact between two entities, for example: "The rope comes into contact with the wall as the climber ascends the cliff."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It also comes into contact with the catalyst and hardens.

The New York Times - Science

According to a legend, anyone who comes into contact with the moth is changed.

The New York Times

And any woman Roy comes into contact with ends up dead.

The New York Times - Arts

A hand is scalded if it comes into contact with boiling water.

Independent

Anything that comes into contact with your beer during fermentation must be sanitised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It endangers any woman who comes into contact with any of his workshop participants.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a Funkeys comes into contact with a Henchman, the Henchman steals the Funkeys' coins.

The New York Times - Tech

He's just a good, decent person lifting the spirits of everybody he comes into contact with".

The New York Times

Don't sterilise everything that comes into contact with your child's mouth, within reason".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That is the first representation of the restaurant that the public comes into contact with".

The New York Times - Food

Anyone who comes into contact with rodents that carry hantavirus is at risk of HPS.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific or technical processes, use "comes into contact" to clearly indicate when substances or components physically interact. For example, "The electrode comes into contact with the electrolyte solution."

Common error

While "comes into contact" is generally correct, it can sound overly formal in casual writing. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "touches", "meets", or "hits" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comes into contact" functions as a verb phrase indicating a physical interaction or connection between two or more entities. It specifies the action of establishing contact, as Ludwig AI confirms, and is widely applicable across various contexts. It is very often used to precisely describe a physical action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comes into contact" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a physical interaction between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in scientific, news, and general contexts, but leans towards a neutral to formal register. While highly versatile, simpler alternatives may be preferred for informal writing. The phrase's function is to clearly indicate when two or more items physically touch or interact. Remember to consider the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure the most appropriate tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes contact with

Replaces "comes" with "makes", offering a more active voice but retaining the core meaning of establishing a connection.

is brought into contact with

Adds an element of external influence or agency in causing the interaction.

interacts with

Suggests a reciprocal or mutual action between entities, implying a degree of influence.

engages with

Suggests a more involved or active interaction, often implying participation or response.

is exposed to

Highlights the state of being subjected to something, focusing on the recipient of the contact.

encounters

Focuses on the event of meeting or finding something unexpectedly.

touches

A more literal and physical alternative, emphasizing direct tactile connection.

meets

A simple and direct alternative, implying a meeting or joining.

is in touch with

Emphasizes an ongoing or maintained connection, rather than a single event.

is adjacent to

Highlights physical proximity or nearness, implying potential for interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "comes into contact" in a sentence?

Use "comes into contact" to describe instances where two or more things physically touch or interact, for example: "The chemical "comes into contact" with the sensor, triggering an alarm."

What are some alternatives to "comes into contact"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "touches", "interacts with", "is exposed to", or "meets". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "comes in contact" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "comes in contact" is less common and less grammatically precise than ""comes into contact"". The latter clearly indicates the action of making a physical connection.

How does the formality of "comes into contact" compare to similar phrases?

"Comes into contact" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for scientific, technical, or professional writing. Simpler alternatives like "touches" or "meets" are more appropriate for informal communication.