contact was lost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contact was lost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where communication or connection has been interrupted or ceased, often in technical or narrative situations. Example: "During the mission, contact was lost with the spacecraft, leaving the team in uncertainty about its status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For a time, radio contact was lost.

The New York Times

Contact was lost with the spacecraft for about 90 minutes.

The Guardian

It started spinning uncontrollably and contact was lost.

The Guardian

Contact was lost at about 2.30am Egypt local time.

The Guardian

Contact was lost with the plane a few minutes before it was due to land.

The New York Times

Contact was lost at 10.53am when the plane was at 6,000ft.

The Guardian

In the final message minutes before contact was lost he said: "This is getting worse".

The Guardian

"The team was on a routine patrol east of Donetsk when contact was lost.

The Guardian

Radio contact was lost with the plane as it passed north of Gainesville, Fla.

The New York Times - Sports

Another word was gone, another moment of eye contact was lost.

The New York Times

Philae revived in June 2015, but communication was sporadic until contact was lost in July 2015.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events where "contact was lost", specify the type of contact (e.g., radio, visual, or electrical) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "lost contact" when you mean "contact was lost". "Lost contact" typically refers to a state of no longer being in touch, whereas "contact was lost" describes the specific event of communication ending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contact was lost" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the action of losing contact was done to someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing interruptions in communication or connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contact was lost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an interruption in communication. As validated by Ludwig AI, its function is to inform, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, most commonly appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the type of contact that was lost. To avoid confusion, distinguish between the specific event of losing contact ("contact was lost") and the state of no longer being in touch ("lost contact").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication ceased

Focuses specifically on the end of communication, lacking the implication of searching or uncertainty.

connection was broken

Implies a physical or abstract link was severed, suitable for technical or relationship contexts.

link was severed

Emphasizes the forceful cutting off of a connection, suggesting a more abrupt end.

communication was interrupted

Suggests a temporary disruption rather than a complete loss, implying a possibility of resumption.

radio silence ensued

Specifically relates to radio communications and highlights the period of no transmission.

all lines went dead

A more dramatic way to describe the failure of communication lines, often used in suspenseful narratives.

signals disappeared

Focuses on the disappearance of signals, applicable to electronic or coded communications.

we lost touch

More personal and less technical, referring to the cessation of contact between individuals.

the signal faded

Suggests a gradual weakening and eventual loss of signal, implying distance or interference.

transmission ended

Specifically refers to the conclusion of a transmission, without necessarily implying a failure.

FAQs

How can I use "contact was lost" in a sentence?

The phrase "contact was lost" is used to describe a situation where communication or connection has been interrupted or ceased. For example, "During the flight, "contact was lost" with the aircraft due to a technical malfunction."

What can I say instead of "contact was lost"?

You can use alternatives like "communication ceased", "connection was broken", or "signal disappeared" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "contact was lost" or "lost contact"?

"Contact was lost" refers to the specific event of communication being interrupted. "Lost contact" refers to the state of no longer being in communication. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "contact was lost" and "communication ceased"?

"Contact was lost" might imply a search or an attempt to re-establish connection, whereas "communication ceased" simply states that communication has ended, without necessarily implying any further action.