fleeting contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or temporary interaction or connection between people or things. Example: "Their relationship was nothing more than a fleeting contact, lasting only a few moments at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Even one fleeting contact would confirm direction generally..

The Guardian

Beyond that exchange, the four presidents in the front row seemed incapable of even fleeting contact.

The Washington Post

After medical school I began training in emergency medicine, but the fleeting contact with patients began to erode my sense of satisfaction from the work.

The Guardian - Books

When Laura timidly ventures out of that burrow, to make fleeting contact with the long-awaited gentleman caller, Jim (the excellent Mr. Smith), her worst instincts are confirmed, though only after an exquisite interlude of shimmering hopefulness.

The New York Times

Researchers have found that domestic sheep carry strains of pneumonia-causing bacteria called Pasteurella and other virulent diseases that ravage the bighorns and that they can pass to the wild sheep through even fleeting contact.

The New York Times - Science

What is fascinating to see is how the blind prisoners are admitted to the quarantine camp in the order in which they made fleeting contact in the preceding narrative: a pharmacy clerk, a cop, a hotel maid, all connected via the fleeting and heedless contact of the modern, uncaring city, and now joined in a chain of terrible significance.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

All these tiny, fleeting contacts help users maintain relationships with large numbers of people with relative ease.

Vice

This reconnaissance had not gone unnoticed by the Australian infantry, however, and companies from both 1 RAR and 3 RAR had fleeting contacts with small groups of North Vietnamese at last light and into the evening.

Wikipedia

He suggests they continue their discussion, which they do during regular evening meetings characterized by theological discussions and increasingly electric contact — a fleeting touch, two hands roughly grasping shoulders, a garment grazing a breast.

The New York Times

However fleeting the contact, he said he can't escape a negative association. "She becomes my problem because of the choices she is making," Dr. Pinsky said.

The New York Times

We still have a few humane streets, where a subtle wave or fleeting eye contact can help choreograph interactions among pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting contact" to describe interactions that are brief and not expected to continue or deepen. It is appropriate for both physical and non-physical connections.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting contact" to describe significant, ongoing relationships. This phrase implies a lack of depth or permanence, which would be inappropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting contact" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "fleeting" modifies "contact". Ludwig AI examples show its usage to describe brief interactions, physical touches, or connections.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting contact" is a phrase used to describe interactions that are brief and temporary. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While suitable for formal and informal writing, it's essential to avoid using it to describe significant, ongoing relationships. Alternatives such as "brief encounter" or "temporary connection" may be appropriate depending on the specific context. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, with "fleeting" modifying "contact".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief encounter

Focuses on the shortness and unexpected nature of the meeting.

temporary connection

Highlights the non-permanent aspect of the relationship or link.

passing interaction

Emphasizes the transient quality of the exchange.

momentary communication

Specifies the fleeting nature of the communicative act.

short-lived association

Indicates a brief period of being connected or related.

quick exchange

Implies a swift transfer or interchange of something.

casual acquaintance

Suggests a superficial level of familiarity without deep connection.

superficial interaction

Highlights the lack of depth or meaningfulness in the exchange.

transient liaison

Emphasizes the temporary and often secretive nature of the connection.

ephemeral touch

Focuses on the short duration and delicate nature of a physical or emotional connection.

FAQs

How can I use "fleeting contact" in a sentence?

"Fleeting contact" is used to describe short or temporary interactions, such as: "Our relationship was just a "fleeting contact" during the conference."

What's the difference between "fleeting contact" and "brief encounter"?

"Brief encounter" typically refers to a short, often romantic, meeting, while "fleeting contact" is more general and can apply to any brief interaction, whether personal or not.

What can I say instead of "fleeting contact"?

You can use alternatives like "brief encounter", "temporary connection", or "passing interaction" depending on the specific context.

Is "fleeting contact" appropriate in formal writing?

Yes, "fleeting contact" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing brief or insubstantial interactions. Its neutrality makes it versatile across different registers.