network of contacts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'network of contacts' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe people in your professional and personal life who could help you with something. For example, "I'm looking for a job in marketing, so I'm trying to build a network of contacts who can point me in the right direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He built up this amazing network of contacts".

The New Yorker

Free agents, if they wish to eat, must build a network of contacts and nurture it.

The New York Times

He later returned to Germany and began building a network of contacts in Europe.

The New York Times

Extend your network of contacts online (LinkedIn, Twitter for example) and offline.

The Guardian

Their network of contacts, they say, is often as crucial as hard work in professional advancement.

The New York Times

His network of contacts was to become unrivalled in the literary world.

The Guardian - Books

Through his network of contacts in following years, he multiplied that number by nine.

The New Yorker

The most successful candidates have experience in Asia, a network of contacts and language skills.

The New York Times

A top business school plugs students into an invaluable network of contacts.

The Economist

They may lose touch with their network of contacts, which is important for people in sales.

The New York Times

We don't have a huge network of contacts to tap into, that comes with time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional documents, clearly define the scope and nature of your "network of contacts" to convey credibility and expertise.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the influence or reach of your "network of contacts". Be realistic about what your connections can offer, and focus on building genuine relationships rather than simply collecting names.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "network of contacts" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a group of people known to an individual or organization who can offer assistance, information, or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "network of contacts" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a group of people one knows and can rely on for support or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also relevant in science and formal business settings, the phrase underscores the importance of connections. When using "network of contacts", it's crucial to be realistic about the strength and influence of those connections, focusing on building genuine relationships rather than merely accumulating names. Alternatives such as "professional circle" or "business connections" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Business connections

Highlights relationships formed primarily for business purposes.

Professional circle

Focuses specifically on professional relationships.

Circle of collaborators

Highlights working relationships toward a common goal.

Web of acquaintances

Implies a broader, less intimate set of relationships.

Pool of associates

Emphasizes a collection of people working together.

Sphere of influence

Emphasizes the ability to affect events or people due to one's relationships.

Roster of partners

Implies a formal listing of individuals or organizations involved.

System of alliances

Focuses on cooperative relationships for mutual benefit.

Community of stakeholders

Focuses on individuals or groups with a vested interest.

Base of operations

Concentrates on the resources and people a business has.

FAQs

How can I effectively use the phrase "network of contacts" in a sentence?

Use "network of contacts" to describe the group of people you know who can help you professionally. For example, "Building a strong network of contacts is essential for career advancement".

What are some alternatives to using "network of contacts" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "professional circle", "business connections", or "web of acquaintances" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "network of contacts" or "list of contacts"?

"Network of contacts" implies a dynamic, interconnected group of people you can rely on, while "list of contacts" suggests a more passive and less engaged collection of names. Use "network of contacts" to emphasize active relationships.

What's the difference between a "network of contacts" and a "community of practice"?

A "network of contacts" generally refers to a broad range of people you know, potentially across different fields, while a "community of practice" involves individuals who share a common profession or interest and engage in mutual learning and support.