contacts

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "contacts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to people you know or an organized list of contacts. For example: "I need to update my contacts list with the new business cards I collected today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With a few exceptions, it was hardly possible to imagine Embassy officials or troops in Baghdad taking great risks to get their Iraqi contacts out before we left.

The Economist

While serious independent journalism remains nearly impossible in Iran, the bureau is able to provide original reporting through its extensive list of contacts both inside and outside the republic, and to bring the voices of ordinary people to an international audience.

The Guardian

"We're all using all of the different networks and contacts that we have to try to bring about some kind of shift in the situation.

The Guardian

Only after she and others made a "major stink" with contacts in the offices of the corporation counsel and Mayor Rahm Emanuel did they even learn about Homan Square.

The Guardian

The outbreak in Bombali was reportedly linked to a cluster of cases in the Aberdeen fishing community in Freetown, and the WHO said efforts were under way to track more than 2,000 contacts associated with that cluster.

The Guardian

Compared with the 1960s and 1970s, when Enoch Powell was exploiting dislike of Caribbean immigrants in particular, the passage of time and the accumulation of personal contacts have changed our attitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It employs limited voice control functionality, but can pull contacts and other data from a smartphone to manage calls and messages.

The Guardian - Tech

Using Siri, drivers will also be able to access messages and have them read aloud, reply via voice, access their contacts on the iPhone and make calls, as well as a variety of other voice commands including music controls.

The Guardian - Tech

Contact lenses are medical devices and soft contacts tend to be packaged in small sterilised containers filled with fluid, which over time (hence the expiration date) can become contaminated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Post contacts tell us, however, that Narayanan will remain in place.

The Guardian

Do your research and make contacts: If you want to get serious, then get online and get reading.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contacts" to indicate networking and professional relationships and "connections" to express more familiarity and confidence.

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "contact" when referring to a group of people or a database of information. "Contact" refers to a single person or instance, while "contacts" is plural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contacts" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple people known to someone or listed in a directory. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts like "business contacts" and "social media contacts."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "contacts" functions primarily as a plural noun referring to a group of people known to someone. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. Alternatives like "connections" or "network" may be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The most important takeaway is to use the plural form when referring to multiple individuals and to differentiate "contacts" (known people) from "contact" (the act of communication or a single individual). Overall, "contacts" is a versatile and essential term in both professional and personal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contacts list

Specifies the organized collection of contact information.

connections

Focuses on the relationships themselves, rather than the means of communication.

phone contacts

Highlights the people stored on the phone.

business contacts

Focuses on working relationships.

personal contacts

Highlights relationship with family and friends.

network

Emphasizes a broader, interconnected system of individuals.

associates

Suggests a professional or business relationship.

acquaintances

Implies a more casual or less formal relationship.

resources

Shifts the focus to the support or aid that people can provide.

references

Used to imply the trust someone has on the other.

FAQs

How do I properly use "contacts" in a sentence?

Use "contacts" to refer to a group of people you know, such as in the sentence, "I need to update my address book with my new "contacts"."

What are some alternatives for the word "contacts"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "contacts" with alternatives like "connections", "network", or "acquaintances".

Is it correct to say "contact list" or "contacts list"?

Both are acceptable, but "contact list" is more common and concise. "Contacts list" is also understood, but less frequently used.

What is the difference between "contacts" and "connections"?

"Contacts" generally refers to people you know and can reach out to, while "connections" implies a more established or professional relationship. In online networking, "connections" often require mutual agreement.