lost contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost contact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to talk about the termination of communication (whether physical or digital) between two people or groups. For example: After the accident, she and her family lost contact.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We lost contact".

The New York Times

They really lost contact.

The Guardian - Music

Eventually, they lost contact.

The Washington Post

The plane soon lost contact.

The Guardian

They lost contact in college.

The New York Times

"We lost contact with them.

The New York Times

And why they had lost contact.

The New York Times

We lost contact with Spirit in 2010.

The New York Times

Hall lost contact early and finished tenth.

The New Yorker

They lost contact unti 2 years later.

The New Yorker

"They lost contact with the mainstream".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost contact", consider adding context about the circumstances of the separation, such as time, location, or cause.

Common error

Avoid using "lost contact" when there's only a temporary lapse in communication. Reserve it for situations where the separation is significant or prolonged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost contact" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the cessation of communication or connection. It is often used to describe a situation where two or more parties no longer communicate, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost contact" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe the end of communication or a relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral formality level. When using the phrase, remember to provide sufficient context and to differentiate it from similar expressions like ""lost touch"", which implies a more gradual separation. Avoid using it for temporary lapses in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost touch

Emphasizes a gradual fading of connection over time.

fell out of touch

Similar to "lost touch", but emphasizes the process of losing connection.

stopped communicating

Directly states the cessation of communication.

no longer in contact

States the current state of not being connected.

ceased communication

Formally indicates the end of communication.

broke off relations

Suggests a more formal or significant severing of ties.

discontinued contact

A more formal way to describe stopping communication.

became estranged

Implies a loss of affection or familiarity.

severed ties

Indicates a deliberate and complete ending of a relationship.

drifted apart

Highlights a gradual separation due to differing paths or interests.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost contact" to describe a situation where communication or connection with someone has been terminated. For example, "After the move, they "lost touch" and eventually "lost contact" entirely."

What is a more formal way to say "lost contact"?

A more formal way to express "lost contact" is to say "ceased communication" or "discontinued contact". These options are suitable for professional or official contexts.

Which is correct, "lost contact with" or "lost contact to"?

"Lost contact with" is the correct phrasing. For example, "We "lost contact" with our relatives after the war," not "We lost contact to our relatives after the war."

What's the difference between "lost touch" and "lost contact"?

"Lost touch" implies a gradual fading of connection, while "lost contact" suggests a more definite and possibly sudden break in communication. They are similar, but ""lost touch"" often refers to a less abrupt end than ""lost contact"".