make acquaintance

USAGE SUMMARY

"make acquaintance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a polite way of saying "meet someone" and is used more commonly in formal or thoughtful contexts. For example, you might say: "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Young men new to the market were occasionally advised to make acquaintance with Annie's prodigious breasts; kiss them for good luck.

The New York Times

Dig out back issues of The Ecologist magazine, which he edited for six years from early 2000, and make acquaintance with an inquiring, passionate, dedicated world-saver, calling for the cancellation of poor nations' debts, denouncing Blairite collusion with global corporations and giving Tony Benn space to lament the decline of democracy.

The Guardian

As Deputy Editor of a journal that, at the time, was yet to be launched - the 19th ECSS meeting provided the perfect place to make acquaintance with new and potential Editorial Board members and to get a feel for the research landscape.

Sports Medicine - Open

Along the way, you'll make acquaintance with resident red-footed tortoises, iguanas, and pelicans that swoop and dive into the water.

Huffington Post

"We want the children to make acquaintance with their local disabled peers by meeting and playing with them," says Flora. "This is the only way to become an open-minded, empathetic, and cooperative adult and to build a nice caring community and society".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There is time and space to work or to walk around and make acquaintances.

The Economist

"He looked for opportunities to make acquaintances with people," Mr. Devine added in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

"Don't make acquaintances in hotel lobbies, "Don't accept the advice of strangers on the street, etc".

The New Yorker

While students make acquaintances based on their interests, he says, campus life ultimately divides itself along linguistic lines, and friendships across those lines are rare.

The New York Times

Officials rejected claims that cadres use the school to "meet people, make acquaintances, have a good meal and have a good rest".

The Guardian

Watch others who initiate and sustain conversation and make acquaintances with people around them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make acquaintance" to convey a sense of formality or intention when meeting someone new. It's especially appropriate in written communication or formal introductions.

Common error

Avoid using "make acquaintance" in very casual settings or everyday conversations. Phrases like "get to know" or "meet" are often more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make acquaintance" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of establishing a first meeting or initial familiarity with someone. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe this action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make acquaintance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of meeting someone for the first time or beginning to know them. Ludwig AI indicates that it's acceptable in written English and is often employed in formal or thoughtful contexts. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "meet" or "get to know", "make acquaintance" carries a sense of intentionality and formality. Its usage is most frequently observed in news media, scientific publications, and wiki-style content. For more casual settings, simpler phrases may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become acquainted

Uses 'become' instead of 'make', implying a process of familiarization.

get to know

A more informal and common way of expressing the same idea.

become familiar with

Focuses on gaining familiarity rather than just meeting.

meet and greet

Emphasizes the act of meeting, often in a formal setting.

strike up a friendship

Implies initiating a friendly relationship after meeting.

form a connection

Highlights establishing a bond or rapport.

establish contact

Focuses on the initial act of making contact.

cultivate a relationship

Suggests nurturing a relationship over time.

network with

Implies making professional connections.

mingle with

Suggests casually interacting with others in a social setting.

FAQs

What does "make acquaintance" mean?

The phrase "make acquaintance" means to meet someone for the first time or to begin to get to know someone.

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

You can say "It was a pleasure to "make acquaintance" with you" or "I hope to "make acquaintance" with many new people at the conference".

What can I say instead of "make acquaintance"?

You can use alternatives like "get to know", "meet", or "become acquainted" depending on the context.

Is "make acquaintance" more formal than "meet"?

Yes, "make acquaintance" is generally considered more formal than "meet". It suggests a more intentional or formal introduction.