to connect with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to connect with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking about having a relationship with a person, or forming a connection with them. For example, "After meeting in college, the two friends vowed to stay in touch and to always keep connected with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She wants to connect with her.

The New York Times - Magazine

It allows him to connect with people".

The New York Times

I needed to connect with Jay.

The New York Times - Arts

I come to connect with people".

The New York Times

I want to connect with emotions".

The New York Times - Arts

Are you going to connect with us?

The New York Times

I posted it to connect with friends.

The Guardian

"We want to connect with them".

The New York Times

Try to connect with your clients.

The Guardian

He wants to connect with his audience.

The Guardian - Music

They come to connect with something.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to connect with" when you want to emphasize establishing a meaningful link or relationship with someone or something, going beyond mere interaction.

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "to engage with", "to relate to", or "to correspond with" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to connect with" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It indicates the action of forming a relationship or bond with someone or something. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to connect with" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe establishing a relationship or bond. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business writing. The related phrases offer nuanced options for conveying specific aspects of forming connections. Understanding these subtleties can enhance clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to relate to

Focuses more on understanding and feeling empathy towards someone or something.

to engage with

Emphasizes active participation and interaction.

to interact with

Highlights reciprocal action or communication.

to network with

Specifically refers to building professional contacts.

to communicate with

Focuses on the exchange of information or ideas.

to bond with

Implies a closer, more emotional connection.

to associate with

Suggests a formal or informal affiliation.

to team up with

Implies collaboration towards a common goal.

to reach out to

Focuses on initiating contact.

to get in touch with

Similar to reaching out, but can also imply re-establishing contact.

FAQs

How can I use "to connect with" in a sentence?

You can use "to connect with" to describe establishing a relationship or feeling a bond. For example, "I wanted "to connect with" these women."

What are some alternatives to "to connect with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to relate to", "to engage with", or "to interact with".

Is it appropriate to use "to connect with" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider alternatives like "to engage with" or "to correspond with" for a more precise tone.

What's the difference between "to connect with" and "to communicate with"?

"To connect with" implies a deeper, more meaningful relationship, while "to communicate with" simply refers to the exchange of information. For example, you might "to connect with" someone on an emotional level, but "to communicate with" them through email.