a challenging relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a challenging relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that involves difficulties or obstacles, whether personal, professional, or otherwise. Example: "Despite their differences, they managed to maintain a challenging relationship that ultimately helped them grow as individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The review finishes by returning to the live event, where RedBirdFlies doesn't quite get the chance to ask if a challenging relationship, such as Solnit describes, can also be a gift.

The Guardian - Books

How could I not fall in love with him and once I had, how could I not marry him?" Why would Shartrina, with two sons from a previous marriage, enter into such a challenging relationship with a partner who was dying?

The New York Times - Sports

His revolution realigned domestic politics, and laid the basis of a challenging relationship between America and the rest of the world.*The rise of the conservative movement is the subject of a new book by two of our writers, John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge: "The Right Nation Conservative Powerr in America" (Penguin Press).

The Economist

A marriage is a challenging relationship and I believe was God-ordained to be a unique partnership best served by a breadwinner and a household manager.

Forbes

What happens in a challenging relationship when you stay in touch with this lovingness inside the other person?

Huffington Post

The marriage of curatorial and commercial interests has long been a challenging relationship to navigate in the art world and the Carte Blanche sale demonstrates one more of these instances.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I want a good, challenging relationship with the press," he said.

The Guardian

When you have an author and an auteur, it's a difficult and challenging relationship.

Independent

11.57am: Hogan-Howe finishes by reiterating the importance of a good relationship with journalists "I do want a good open challenging relationship with the press," he adds.

The Guardian

The advantage of being mindful of your female archetype is that you're able to understand your priorities, decide Whetherimportant to your and motherasisy maliveecisiors and chasces.

Huffington Post

Subordination of child well-being issues and/or a decision not to prioritise child well-being; Subordination of child welfare appeared as one strategy to deal with a challenging situation/concurrent relationship between a patient's reproductive decision and professional knowledge regarding the issue of being a "child of a mentally ill parent".

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a challenging relationship", clearly specify the nature of the challenges involved to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a professional, personal, or political relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "a challenging relationship" without providing specific details about the challenges. Vague descriptions can lead to misunderstandings and weaken your message. Instead, provide concrete examples or explanations of the difficulties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a challenging relationship" functions as a noun phrase where "challenging" is an adjective modifying the noun "relationship". It serves to describe the specific quality or characteristic of the relationship as being difficult or demanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a challenging relationship" is a grammatically sound way to describe a connection marked by difficulties, requiring effort and resilience. Ludwig AI's analysis, including the examples provided, shows that the phrase, while not overly common, appears consistently across varied contexts like News & Media and Science. Therefore, when using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the nature of the challenges involved to ensure clarity. While phrases like "a difficult partnership" or "a complex dynamic" serve as alternatives, understanding the subtleties of ""a challenging relationship"" helps in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult partnership

Replaces "relationship" with "partnership" and "challenging" with "difficult", emphasizing the difficulties in a collaborative context.

a complex dynamic

Focuses on the intricate and complicated nature of the interaction between entities, instead of specifically framing it as a relationship.

a troubled connection

Highlights the problems and difficulties within the bond, using more emotionally charged language.

a strained alliance

Implies tension and difficulty in maintaining cooperation or unity, typically in a formal or political context.

a testing association

Suggests that the connection is putting pressure on one or more parties, testing its limits and resilience.

a problematic bond

Draws attention to the issues and complications present in the link between individuals or entities.

a demanding situation

Shifts the focus to the demanding nature of the overall circumstance rather than specifically highlighting the interpersonal elements.

a trying entanglement

Conveys a sense of being caught up in a complicated and difficult situation, particularly involving personal relationships.

a rocky rapport

Focuses specifically on the unsteady and unstable nature of mutual understanding or harmonious connection.

a thorny liaison

Highlights the presence of obstacles and potential pain points in the interaction, suggesting careful navigation is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "a challenging relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "a challenging relationship" to describe any relationship that presents difficulties or obstacles. For example: "Despite their differences, they maintained "a challenging relationship"."

What are some synonyms for "a challenging relationship"?

Alternatives include "a difficult partnership", "a complex dynamic", or "a troubled connection". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a difficult relationship" or "a challenging relationship"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but ""a challenging relationship"" often implies an opportunity for growth, while "a difficult relationship" simply highlights the struggles.

Can "a challenging relationship" be positive?

Yes, ""a challenging relationship"" isn't always negative. It can mean the relationship requires effort, but also fosters personal development and resilience.