upon first contact

USAGE SUMMARY

"upon first contact" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
Example: Upon first contact, the car salesman greeted the potential buyer with a warm smile and a handshake.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Upon first contact (with the surface or with a previously deposited particle) each particle stops.

Journal of Computational Physics

The center strives to resolve 90% of students' issues upon first contact.

Stanford University

We strive to resolve 90% of students' issues upon first contact.

Stanford University

The referenda proposed a reduced standard penalty for violations; requiring two pieces of evidence for a case to be presented in a hearing; ensuring that students would not be found guilty if the course instructor states the student's actions did not violate class policy; and requiring that the committee disclose, upon first contact, whether a student is a witness or accused of a violation.

Princeton University

To elaborate, upon first contact, I informed potential participants of their right to withdraw from my research at any time before the interview, during, or even after it.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

"They may feel SHIRI's fear when they trigger SHIRI's 'twitch' upon first contact," according to the SHIRI video's captions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A reporter dispatched there by the New York Times found a long line of blacks and whites, waiting reverentially together, including one elderly African-American woman who fainted upon her first contact with the Emancipation Proclamation.

The New Yorker

I thought this upon my first contact with these old men who lived through so much that could enlighten, entertain and excite more than all those movies and sodas put together.

Huffington Post

Thus, while the male begins to court by extending his wing only after several brief encounters with an intact virgin female in the dark, a decapitated female is a stationary source of attraction and induces a male to court upon their first contact.

Plosone

The influence of the superseismic stage immediately following the moment of first contact upon the impact process is investigated in the frame of the Hertzian impact theory.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Consultations on these possibly vague and unspecific symptoms might add to the burden in primary health care, which patients first contact upon any complaints.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "upon first contact", ensure the context clearly establishes what is making contact with what. For example, "Upon first contact with the client, establish a professional rapport."

Common error

Avoid using "upon first contact" in highly informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "at the start" or "initially" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon first contact" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the timing of an event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It sets a temporal context for the action being described, similar to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upon first contact" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the beginning of an interaction or encounter. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides various examples demonstrating its usage across different contexts. While versatile, it is most common in scientific, academic, and news-related content. For less formal settings, consider using simpler alternatives. Remember to clearly define what is making "contact" to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis of the examples suggests that the phrase serves to highlight initial observations or actions, making it suitable for scenarios where the beginning is significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the first encounter

Highlights the event of an encounter as the defining moment.

at the start

A simpler, more direct way to express the beginning.

at the initial meeting

Focuses on the specific instance of a meeting as the point of first contact.

at the beginning of the interaction

Emphasizes the start of an ongoing interaction.

when initially connecting

Uses a verb form to describe the act of making an initial connection.

initially

Adverb form, emphasizing the temporal aspect of the beginning.

at the point of introduction

Highlights the formal act of being introduced.

upon commencement

A more formal way to say 'at the beginning' with a stronger emphasis on starting something.

in the first instance

Implies a specific case or situation at the outset.

from the outset

Indicates from the very beginning, often used for projects or endeavors.

FAQs

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

Use "upon first contact" to describe an action or observation that occurs during an initial interaction. For example, "Upon first contact, the new material demonstrated unexpected resilience."

What phrases are similar to "upon first contact"?

Similar phrases include "at the initial meeting", "on the first encounter", and "at the beginning of the interaction".

Is "upon first contact" formal or informal?

"Upon first contact" is generally considered formal. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "at the start" or "initially".

What does "upon first contact" mean?

It means at the time of the initial interaction or meeting. It emphasizes the beginning of an encounter.