a close relationship with

USAGE SUMMARY

"a close relationship with" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a strong bond or connection between people or things. Here is an example sentence: John has a close relationship with his sister, they share everything with each other and always support each other through thick and thin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"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

One Tree also has a close relationship with local authors.

The Guardian - Books

Still, a close relationship with one's audience has its drawbacks.

The New Yorker

In fact, he had a close relationship with the band.

The New Yorker

I still have a close relationship with her.

The Guardian

Lexus has had a close relationship with McCartney.

The Guardian

The city has long had a close relationship with luxury.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a close relationship with", consider the specific context to determine if a more descriptive term like "strong bond", "deep connection", or "collaborative relationship" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overusing the term "close" without specifying the nature of the relationship. Instead of simply stating someone has "a close relationship with" a colleague, explain if it's collaborative, mentoring, or purely social.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close relationship with" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the nature of a connection, indicating a bond that is intimate, strong, or significant, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a close relationship with" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a strong connection between people, entities, or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, although the nature of the relationship might warrant more specific descriptors like "strong bond" or "collaborative partnership". Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it maintains a neutral register and serves to highlight significant connections. While generally correct, be mindful of avoiding vagueness by specifying the nature of the relationship when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong bond with

Emphasizes the emotional or personal connection, highlighting the strength of the link.

a deep connection with

Highlights the profound nature of the relationship.

a tight bond with

Similar to a strong bond, but it can imply a sense of exclusivity or loyalty.

an intimate connection with

Implies a level of personal knowledge, secrecy, or vulnerability within the relationship.

a close tie to

Focuses on the link or association rather than the emotional connection.

a strong affinity for

Highlights the shared interests or emotional resonances.

a working relationship with

Specifically emphasizes professional or collaborative interactions.

a collaborative relationship with

It highlights cooperative endeavors and shared goals.

a friendly rapport with

Focuses on mutual respect, approachability and comfortable interactions.

a close association with

Stresses the link or connection, but less personal and more formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a close relationship with" to describe strong connections between people, concepts, or entities. For example, "The scientist has a close relationship with her research team" or "The city has a close relationship with the arts".

What can I say instead of "a close relationship with"?

You can use alternatives like "a strong bond with", "a deep connection with", or "a collaborative relationship with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a close relationship with" or "a close relationship to"?

"A close relationship with" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "A close relationship to" is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "a close relationship with" and "a friendly rapport with"?

"A close relationship with" implies a generally strong connection, while "a friendly rapport with" specifically highlights a positive and amicable interaction or understanding. The former is broader, the latter is more specific.