cut off contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut off contact" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means to intentionally stop communicating or interacting with someone. Example: After the breakup, I had to cut off contact with my ex in order to move on and heal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He then cut off contact with them.

The Guardian

He decided to block Williams' number and cut off contact.

The Guardian

A few weeks later she apparently cut off contact with him.

The New York Times

People would cut off contact, never to be heard from again unless they reconciled.

The New York Times

Before that, he was known to cut off contact for weeks at a time.

The New York Times - Magazine

During a family squabble about the home, Klaus Soering cut off contact.

The New Yorker

In 2000, when he came out, they soon cut off contact and disowned him.

The New York Times - Arts

He has four children, but has cut off contact with all of them.

The Guardian

But Bond cut off contact, Amoroso told the Globe, after the pair argued over money.

The Washington Post

1986 Reunited with Camilla Parker Bowles, with whom he had cut off contact.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cutting off contact like this, while your crush is still interested in talking to you, automatically gets him or her looking forward to next time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cut off contact" when you want to emphasize a deliberate decision to end communication, often after a disagreement or change in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "cut off contact" for situations where communication is merely infrequent or temporarily paused. This phrase implies a firm decision to end communication entirely, not just a period of less frequent interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut off contact" functions as a phrasal verb, where "cut off" acts as the verb and "contact" serves as the object. It describes the act of intentionally terminating communication or interaction with someone. As per Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cut off contact" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the deliberate ending of communication or interaction with someone. According to Ludwig's analysis, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While relatively neutral in tone, it implies a firm decision. For more formal situations, alternatives like "discontinue communication" may be suitable. Remember that "cut off contact" signifies a conscious choice, distinguishing it from simply "losing touch". This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which validates the grammar and provides example sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go no contact

A more modern and direct way of saying communication has ended, often after a negative event.

stop all communication

Highlights that every channel and type of communication has ceased.

cease communication

Focuses on the stopping of communication, less about the relationship itself.

discontinue communication

A more formal way of saying to stop communicating.

end all communication

Emphasizes a complete and total halt to any form of communication.

break off relations

Implies a more formal or significant relationship that has ended.

sever ties

Suggests a deliberate and often permanent ending of a connection.

terminate relations

Similar to "break off relations" but slightly more formal.

become estranged

Describes a state of separation and loss of affection or communication.

have nothing to do with

Indicates a desire to avoid any interaction or association.

FAQs

How can I use "cut off contact" in a sentence?

You can use "cut off contact" to describe a deliberate ending of communication, as in: "After the argument, she decided to "cut off contact" with him."

What's a less direct way to say "cut off contact"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ceased communication" or "became estranged", which suggest a more gradual or less intentional separation.

Is "cut off contact" formal or informal?

"Cut off contact" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "discontinued communication" might be preferred in certain settings.

What is the difference between "cut off contact" and "lost touch"?

"Cut off contact" implies a deliberate decision to end communication, while "lost touch" suggests a gradual drifting apart without a specific intention. "I "cut off contact"" is intentional; "we "lost touch"" is often unintentional.