made contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"made contact" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has reached out to another in some form of communication, such as a text, email, or phone call. For example: "I made contact with my friend to see if they wanted to go out to dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"WE JUST made contact.

The Economist

Lips made contact with skin.

The New York Times

Beltran never actually made contact.

The New York Times - Sports

They made contact.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've made contact".

The New York Times - Sports

He has not made contact with me.

Independent

I'd made contact with oysters.

The New York Times

"Right after I made contact".

The New York Times - Sports

Than Shwe secretly made contact with Pyongyang.

The New York Times

Villa have not made contact with Coyle.

Independent

But sometimes only the tarsi made contact.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing initial communication, "made contact" is suitable. For emphasis on effort, consider "reached out". For formal situations, "established communication" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "made contact" when the subject did not actively initiate the contact. For example, instead of "Contact was made with the victim," use "The detective contacted the victim" to emphasize the detective's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made contact" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of initiating or establishing communication or physical interaction. It typically involves a subject performing the action of contacting someone or something. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made contact" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the action of initiating communication or physical interaction. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is deemed correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, although alternatives like "established communication" may be more appropriate for formal situations. The phrase is commonly used in news media and scientific writing, and its meaning is clear and concise. When using "made contact", ensure the subject actively initiates the contact to maintain accuracy. Always consider context in phrase selection. Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate appropriate usage. The frequency of this phrase is very high.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got in touch

Focuses on initiating communication, shifting from the general "made contact" to a more specific action.

reached out

Emphasizes the effort to communicate, suggesting a proactive approach.

established communication

Highlights the successful creation of a communication channel, adding a formal tone.

connected with

Implies a sense of connection or rapport, going beyond simple contact.

got ahold of

Indicates finding and communicating with someone, often after some effort.

made an approach

Highlights the act of initiating contact, particularly in a formal setting.

established relations

Implies a formal connection, focusing on building a relationship after initial contact.

came into physical contact

Specifies physical interaction, moving away from communication-focused meanings.

collided with

Emphasizes an abrupt or forceful physical meeting, often accidental.

interacted with

Suggests a more involved exchange or series of contacts rather than a single instance.

FAQs

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

You can use "made contact" to describe establishing communication with someone. For example, "I "made contact" with the client to schedule a meeting."

What are some alternatives to saying "made contact"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "got in touch", "reached out", or "connected with".

What's the difference between "made contact" and "got in touch"?

"Made contact" is a more general term for establishing communication. "Got in touch" often implies a specific instance of initiating communication, and can imply that communication was succesful.

Is "made contact" formal or informal?

"Made contact" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context will determine the most appropriate phrasing. For instance, "established communication" is more formal.