to make contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make contact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of reaching out or establishing communication with someone or something. Example: "I need to make contact with the supplier to discuss our order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She wants me to make contact".

The New York Times

"It was hard to make contact.

The Guardian

He just wanted to make contact.

The New York Times - Sports

Has the Fahri family tried to make contact?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He appears to make contact with Da' Tara from behind.

The New York Times

The candidates' desperation to make contact is showing.

The New York Times

He started to make contact with intellectuals outside Germany.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes it's almost easier to make contact bypassing Buenos Aires.

The Guardian

"I was just trying to make contact," Delgado said.

The New York Times - Sports

She wrote a letter explaining I'd like to make contact.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, after much vacillation, Tertuliano decides to make contact.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make contact" in formal writing, ensure the context is clear and direct. It's often used to indicate initiating communication for a specific purpose, such as a business inquiry or a research request.

Common error

Avoid using "to make contact" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "reach out" or "get in touch" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make contact" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as a verb complement or to express purpose. Ludwig examples show its use in various sentences, indicating an action to initiate communication or establish a connection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make contact" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of initiating communication or establishing a connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While widely applicable, context dictates the most appropriate usage, with simpler alternatives preferred in casual settings. Its prevalence across news, science, and business contexts underscores its utility in professional communication. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality when choosing this phrase or its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get in touch

Replaces "make contact" with a more informal idiom for initiating communication.

to reach out

Emphasizes the act of extending communication efforts towards someone.

to communicate with

Focuses on the act of exchanging information or ideas.

to establish communication

Highlights the creation of a communication channel.

to connect with

Suggests forming a relationship or link through communication.

to get ahold of

An informal way of saying to find and speak to someone.

to be in contact

Describes a state of ongoing communication.

to correspond with

Implies written communication over a period of time.

to liaise with

Suggests acting as a link between two or more parties.

to interact with

Focuses on reciprocal actions or influences.

FAQs

What does "to make contact" mean?

"To make contact" means to initiate communication or establish a connection with someone or something. It implies reaching out to establish a link.

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

You can use "to make contact" in a sentence like, "I need "to get in touch" with the client "to discuss" the project details".

What are some alternatives to "to make contact"?

Alternatives to "to make contact" include "to reach out", "to get in touch", "to connect with", or "to communicate with", depending on the specific context.

Is "to make contact" formal or informal?

"To make contact" is generally considered neutral, but leans toward the formal side. In very casual contexts, consider using alternatives like "to hit up" or "to holler at".