a close relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intimate connection between people, groups, or entities. Example: "The two countries have maintained a close relationship for decades, fostering trade and cultural exchange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

built a close relationship.

The New Yorker

The two soon developed a close relationship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They had a close relationship.

The New York Times

We formed a close relationship.

Harvard Business Review

Mother and daughter had a close relationship.

The Guardian

And did they have a close relationship?

The Guardian - Film

"We have developed a close relationship with primary researchers.

The New York Times - Science

My mother had a close relationship with the butcher.

The New York Times

I have a close relationship with the sushi place.

The New York Times

He had a close relationship with his brother Jack.

The New Yorker

I actually had a close relationship with him.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship, be specific about the nature and context of the closeness. For example, specify if it is a familial, professional, or romantic "close relationship".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the intensity of a relationship. Using "a close relationship" when the connection is merely cordial can mislead the reader. Ensure the descriptor aligns with the actual dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies and describes the nature of the connection between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a close relationship" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe a strong connection. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is most common in news and media, followed by scientific and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context accurately reflects the intensity of the described relationship and consider specifying the nature of the closeness for clarity. Alternatives such as "an intimate connection" or "a strong bond" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intimate connection

Suggests a deeper emotional bond than a general close relationship.

a strong bond

Emphasizes the strength and resilience of the connection.

a deep connection

Indicates a profound level of understanding and rapport.

a strong tie

Highlights the binding nature of the relationship.

a close bond

Similar to "a strong bond" but with a slightly more personal feel.

a tight connection

Suggests a relationship that is securely fastened or closely linked.

a cordial association

Implies a friendly and polite, but possibly not deeply personal, connection.

a friendly alliance

Highlights cooperation and mutual support within the relationship.

a working partnership

Focuses on the practical and collaborative aspects of the relationship.

a significant correlation

Shifts the context to a statistical or factual association rather than an interpersonal one.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close relationship" to describe strong connections between people, groups, or concepts. For example: "They developed "a close relationship" through shared experiences."

What are some alternatives to "a close relationship"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a close relationship" include "an intimate connection", "a strong bond", or "a deep connection".

How is "a close relationship" different from "a casual acquaintance"?

"A close relationship" implies a significant level of trust, intimacy, and mutual understanding, while "a casual acquaintance" suggests a superficial and infrequent interaction.

Is it appropriate to use "a close relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "a close relationship" is appropriate in formal writing, but ensure the context justifies the description. In professional settings, consider alternatives like "a working partnership" if it better reflects the nature of the connection.