make contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"make contact" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to starting a communication with someone or something, either physically or through a device. For example, "We will need to make contact with our suppliers in order to discuss the new order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How did you make contact?

The New Yorker

"Fast guys who make contact".

The New York Times - Sports

Make contact with an "opponent".

The Guardian - Opinion

Her eyes rarely make contact.

The New York Times - Sports

"She wants me to make contact".

The New York Times

"People are watching — just make contact".

The New York Times - Sports

When did western Europeans make contact?

The New York Times

We will now make contact with them".

The Guardian

"It was hard to make contact.

The Guardian

He just wanted to make contact.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon as we make contact, ma'am.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for "make contact". For instance, "get in touch" is suitable for informal settings, while "establish communication" fits formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "make contact" in professional documents. Vary your language by using synonyms like "establish communication" or "liaise with" to enhance the text's sophistication and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make contact" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of initiating communication or establishing a connection, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make contact" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the action of initiating communication or establishing a connection. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While generally neutral, choosing more precise synonyms can enhance writing in formal settings. Understanding its function and communicative purpose allows for effective and clear communication. The wide range of examples available through Ludwig illustrates the breadth of its applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get in touch

Focuses more on initiating communication directly.

reach out

Implies extending effort to initiate communication.

establish communication

More formal, emphasizing the setting up of communication channels.

initiate dialogue

Highlights the start of a conversation or exchange.

connect with

Emphasizes establishing a relationship or bond.

get ahold of

More informal way of saying to reach someone.

open lines of communication

Highlights establishing methods for future conversations.

establish connection

Focuses on the act of creating a link or bond.

interface with

Suggests interacting with a system or person in a specific way.

liaise with

Suggests a formal and collaborative connection.

FAQs

What does "make contact" mean?

The phrase "make contact" generally means to initiate communication with someone or something, either physically or through a medium like phone, email, or other means.

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

You can use "make contact" in sentences like, "We need to "get in touch" with the supplier to finalize the order," or "The scientist attempted to "establish communication" with the alien species."

What can I say instead of "make contact"?

You can use alternatives like ""get in touch"", "reach out", or "connect with depending on the context".

Is "make contact" formal or informal?

"Make contact" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal situations, consider using more specific alternatives like ""establish communication"".