initial contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"initial contact" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the first time two people or organizations meet or communicate. For example, "We had our initial contact with the client yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Olympiacos made the initial contact.

The New York Times

This was his initial contact with Europeans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Good run blockerdownfield after initial contact.

The New York Times - Sports

Their initial contact was on stage.

The New York Times - Style

After the initial contact in New York, NBC expressed interest.

The Guardian - Sport

It's all about working with local sales agents, making initial contact and finding the right retailers.

The Guardian

He pored over the pictures; they were his initial contact with American popular history.

The New York Times - Arts

Her statement included remarks about her initial contact with him, which began in January.

The New Yorker

What significant events have taken place in Jamaica since that initial contact?

The New York Times

Initial contact between the opposing forces' headquarters was made by radio at 6pm.

The Guardian

Television replays showed that initial contact between the two was well outside the penalty area.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, employ "initial contact" to refer to the first interaction between elements or organisms being studied.

Common error

Don't replace "initial contact" with overly complex or obscure synonyms when a simple, direct term is more appropriate. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "initial contact" functions primarily as a noun phrase referring to the commencement of an interaction or communication. As evidenced by Ludwig, it typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the start of a process or relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "initial contact" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe the beginning of an interaction or communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. Remember to use "initial contact" to clearly indicate the commencement of a relationship or process and avoid replacing it with overly complex synonyms. Also, keep in mind to use alternative phrases such as "first encounter" or "opening exchange" depending on the nuance you are looking for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first encounter

Emphasizes the meeting aspect of the interaction.

opening exchange

Highlights the communicative aspect of the first interaction.

introductory communication

Focuses on the formal aspect of the first communication.

preliminary discussion

Suggests an early stage of a more extended conversation.

first approach

Highlights the act of initiating communication.

primary interaction

Indicates the first and possibly most important interaction.

maiden conversation

Suggests a fresh and new dialogue.

starting communication

Simple and direct way to describe the beginning of communication.

original correspondence

Focuses on written communication as the first interaction.

incipient communication

Highlights communication at its earliest stage.

FAQs

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

You can use "initial contact" to describe the start of a relationship or interaction. For example, "The "initial contact" with the client was made via email".

What is a good substitute for "initial contact"?

Alternatives include "first encounter", "opening exchange", or "preliminary discussion", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "initial contact" in formal writing?

Yes, "initial contact" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business and academic contexts, to describe the beginning of a professional relationship or study.

What's the difference between "initial contact" and "first meeting"?

"Initial contact" is a broader term that can refer to any form of first communication, while "first meeting" specifically refers to a face-to-face encounter.