we lost contact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we lost contact' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about not having contact with someone, such as a friend, family member, co-worker, or someone else. For example, "We had kept in touch for years, but then one day we lost contact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We lost contact with Spirit in 2010.

The New York Times

"We lost contact with them.

The New York Times

We lost contact with Moni, too.

The New Yorker

"We lost contact with them," he said.

The New York Times

Shortly thereafter, we lost contact with him.

Huffington Post

So, we lost contact over the years.

Huffington Post

"We lost contact".

The New York Times

"After they left, we lost contact.

Unicef

We've lost contact with each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have lost contact with the heart.

Huffington Post

We've lost contact with the earth.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we lost contact", specify the context or the entity with whom contact was lost to provide clarity. For example, "We lost contact with the research team after the storm."

Common error

Avoid using "we lost contact" without specifying who or what was lost. This can create ambiguity and leave the reader wondering about the subject of the lost connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we lost contact" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating the cessation of communication or connection. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing broken relationships and interrupted communication lines.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we lost contact" is a common phrase used to indicate that communication or connection has ceased. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, and is considered to have a neutral register. When using this phrase, it is best practice to provide context about who or what contact was lost with to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We were no longer in contact

States the absence of contact as a factual condition.

Contact was lost

Passive voice version, suitable when the actors are not the primary focus.

We fell out of touch

Indicates a gradual loss of contact over time, suggesting a weakening relationship.

We got out of touch

Similar to "fell out of touch", indicating a gradual separation.

We stopped communicating

Directly states the cessation of communication, suitable for various contexts.

We ceased all communication

Emphasizes a complete and deliberate end to any form of contact.

We disconnected

Focuses on the act of severing a connection, often implying a digital or telecommunications context.

We drifted apart

Suggests a gradual separation due to differing paths or circumstances.

We parted ways

Implies a separation in life paths, often leading to a loss of contact.

We broke off relations

Implies a more formal or significant severing of ties, often in a diplomatic or business context.

FAQs

What does "we lost contact" mean?

The phrase "we lost contact" means that communication or connection with someone or something has ceased. It implies that there was a previous connection that no longer exists.

What can I say instead of "we lost contact"?

You can use alternatives like "we fell out of touch", "we stopped communicating", or "we disconnected" depending on the context.

How to use "we lost contact" in a sentence?

You can use "we lost contact" in a sentence like, "We moved to different cities and eventually we lost contact." or "After the company restructuring, we lost contact with several key suppliers."

Is "we lost contact" formal or informal?

"We lost contact" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in some professional settings.