on first contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"on first contact" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an initial meeting or interaction between two people or groups. For example, you might say, "The two diplomats were cordial on first contact".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"The corps deserted or joined the insurgency on first contact," he recalled.

The New York Times

His opinion had been forged on first contact, and confirmed on that third evening.

The New Yorker

Certain chemicals, such as lime or nitric acid, produce inflammation in all persons on first contact.

Britannica

The Australian flags, thousands of them handed out in Anzac Park, were destroyed on first contact with moisture.

The Guardian

On first contact, you might register to those with half-decent manners as "a prematurely bald man".

Independent

Plus there is at junior level a large coaching lobby that believes in ironing out and regularising on first contact with a young fast bowler.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

On third contact, at 5.37am BST, Venus will beginto leave the sun, and the transit will be over on fourth contact at 5.55am BST.

The Guardian

Twenty minutes later, on second contact, the planet will be fully silhouetted.

The Guardian

On third contact, at 5.37am BST (12.37am ET), Venus will begin to leave the sun, and the transit will be over on fourth contact at 5.55am BST (12.55am ET).

The Guardian

A minimum of 12 call-backs were placed to unanswered numbers and all households who refused to participate on the first contact were re-contacted and asked again to participate.

BMC Psychiatry

Disney's take on a first contact with aliens story is one of the most adorable.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions, use "on first contact" to emphasize the immediate impression or initial actions that occur during the first meeting or communication. For example: "The client seemed enthusiastic on first contact."

Common error

Avoid assuming long-term outcomes based solely on "on first contact" impressions. First interactions can be misleading, and further engagement is often necessary to form accurate assessments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on first contact" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate the timing or circumstances surrounding an initial interaction. As Ludwig examples illustrate, it can describe impressions, reactions, or procedures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on first contact" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe initial interactions or meetings. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to specify timing and circumstances, serving to contextualize immediate impressions or actions. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and wiki sources, suggesting a broad applicability across registers. While the phrase is generally well-regarded, it's important to remember, as also underlined by Ludwig, that relying solely on initial interactions can be misleading. Related phrases include "at the outset" and "initially", offering alternative ways to express the concept of a beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon initial meeting

Replaces "first contact" with "initial meeting", emphasizing the act of meeting.

at the outset

Focuses on the beginning or commencement of something.

at the beginning

Highlights the starting point or early phase of an interaction.

upon acquaintance

Similar to initial meeting but emphasizes becoming familiar.

in the first instance

Stresses the priority of the initial action or event.

at the first encounter

Replaces "contact" with "encounter", emphasizing the event of meeting.

on our first meeting

Specifies the event as "our first meeting", adding a personal element.

from the get-go

An informal way to express the beginning of an interaction.

from the start

Emphasizes the initial phase or starting point of an event.

initially

A simple adverb denoting the beginning or early stage.

FAQs

How can I use "on first contact" in a sentence?

You can use "on first contact" to describe initial impressions or actions. For example: "The customer service representative was helpful "on first contact"." or "The material ignited "on first contact" with the acid".

What are some alternatives to "on first contact"?

Some alternatives include "at the outset", "initially", or "upon initial meeting". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "on first contact"?

While grammatically correct, using "on first contact" might be inappropriate if the context doesn't genuinely involve an initial interaction. For example, if discussing ongoing events, alternatives like "during the process" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "on first contact" and "at first glance"?

"On first contact" generally refers to an initial interaction or meeting, while "at first glance" refers to an initial visual assessment or impression. The former implies active engagement, whereas the latter implies a passive observation.