made eye contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"made eye contact" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to communicate that two people looked into each other's eyes, for example: When they reached the station, they made eye contact and smiled before parting ways.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We made eye contact.

The New York Times

People made eye contact.

The New Yorker

No one made eye contact.

The New York Times

Eventually she made eye contact.

The New York Times

They made eye contact.

The Guardian - Film

I made eye contact.

The New Yorker

We made eye contact twice.

The New York Times

They made eye contact and kept walking.

The New York Times

Carlsen barely made eye contact with me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He makes eye contact.

The New York Times

He seldom makes eye contact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made eye contact" to indicate a conscious act of looking into someone's eyes, conveying connection, acknowledgement, or understanding.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who "made eye contact" with whom, especially in sentences with multiple subjects. Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made eye contact" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of looking into someone's eyes. This action can be deliberate or accidental, and it often carries social or communicative significance, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made eye contact" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of visually connecting with another person. Ludwig examples show the phrase being used in various contexts, primarily in news and media, where it serves to narrate interactions and convey nuances in human relationships. Alternatives such as ""established eye contact"" or ""exchanged glances"" can offer subtle differences in meaning, but "made eye contact" remains a versatile and frequently used choice. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in written English and easy to integrate into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established eye contact

Focuses on the initiation and confirmation of visual connection.

exchanged glances

Emphasizes a brief, mutual look, suggesting a quick exchange.

locked eyes

Highlights the intensity and duration of the eye contact.

met someone's gaze

A more formal way of describing the encounter of looking at someone.

caught someone's eye

Indicates a brief or accidental moment of visual connection.

shared a look

Implies a mutual understanding or unspoken communication through eye contact.

had visual contact

A more technical or neutral term for making eye contact.

gave a meaningful look

Focuses on the intent and significance of the eye contact.

their eyes connected

Suggests a connection beyond just a simple glance.

engaged visually

Describes the interaction as an active engagement through sight.

FAQs

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

You can use "made eye contact" to describe the act of looking into someone's eyes, conveying connection or acknowledgement. For example, "When she entered the room, she "made eye contact" with her friend and smiled".

What are some alternatives to "made eye contact"?

Alternatives include "established eye contact", "exchanged glances", or "locked eyes", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "make eye contact" or "made eye contact"?

"Make eye contact" is the infinitive form, while "made eye contact" is the past tense. Use "made" when referring to a past event. For example, "They "made eye contact" before the meeting started".

What does it mean when someone "makes eye contact"?

Making eye contact typically signifies attentiveness, honesty, or a desire to connect. However, the interpretation can vary based on cultural context and the specific situation.