make a connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to people meeting and getting to know each other ("She made a connection with her coworkers during her internship") or in the context of understanding an idea or concept ("After studying for several weeks, he finally made a connection between the different theories").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To make a connection".

The New Yorker

"I wouldn't make a connection," she said.

The New York Times

Was it difficult to make a connection?

The Guardian

But on this occasion I tried to make a connection.

The New York Times

But Obrist sought, as always, to make a connection.

The New Yorker

"Make a connection with the girl," Ms. Hamaker said.

The New York Times

Find the club nearest you to make a connection.

Columbia University

Is it a failure to make a connection?

Columbia University

"I like to make a connection with people".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Make a connection: A screenshot of Microsoft's new social network.

MIT Technology Review

That allows the hotels to make a connection with customers.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, proactively seek opportunities to "make a connection" with colleagues and industry peers to expand your network and foster collaboration.

Common error

Don't force connections where they don't naturally exist. A tenuous link can weaken your argument or come across as insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a connection" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates the act of establishing a link or relationship, whether between people, ideas, or things. This can involve understanding, relating, or communicating effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a connection" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies establishing a link or relationship, understanding an idea, or relating to someone or something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent usage in news, academic, and scientific domains, indicating its wide applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the connection is logical and meaningful to avoid superficial or forced associations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a relationship

Emphasizes the creation of a more formal or defined bond between individuals or entities.

form a bond

Focuses on creating an emotional or personal tie.

build rapport

Highlights the development of mutual understanding and trust.

forge a link

Suggests a more deliberate and effortful creation of a connection.

create a liaison

Implies establishing a connection for communication or cooperation between groups.

find common ground

Stresses discovering shared interests or beliefs to create understanding.

identify a relationship

Focuses on finding and recognizing an existing bond or connection.

relate to

Indicates an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

see a correlation

Focuses on identifying a statistical or causal relationship between two things.

draw a parallel

Highlights similarities between two seemingly different things.

FAQs

How can I use "make a connection" in a sentence?

You can use "make a connection" to describe establishing a relationship with someone, such as, "It's easier to "build rapport" when you actively listen". It can also refer to understanding a concept or idea, for example, "I was finally able to "relate to" her struggles after hearing her story".

What are some alternatives to "make a connection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "establish a relationship", "form a bond", or ""build rapport"" if you're referring to people. If you mean understanding something, consider "see a correlation" or "draw a parallel".

Is "make a connection" formal or informal?

"Make a connection" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context will influence the overall tone. A phrase like "establish a relationship" may be more appropriate in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "make a connection" and "find common ground"?

"Make a connection" is a broader term referring to any type of link established. "Find common ground" specifically refers to discovering shared interests, beliefs, or opinions to create a basis for understanding or agreement.