a cool relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cool relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendly, relaxed, or informal connection between people, often implying a sense of mutual understanding or enjoyment. Example: "Despite their differences, they maintained a cool relationship that allowed them to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Krause had a cool relationship with Chicago sportswriters, confiding little about his thinking.

The New York Times - Sports

Her vocals and songwriting stand out as very smart and thoughtful and have a cool relationship to almost "stock" sounding sounds from her keyboards.

Stanford University

The two men had a cool relationship when Mr. Torricelli moved from the House to the Senate last year, and things only grew more frigid from there.

The New York Times

But friends and colleagues said he was tired, had often been exasperated by the agency's mishaps and had a cool relationship with his boss, Attorney General John Ashcroft.

The New York Times

Also influential — and described as the one insider pulling for Ms. Yellen — is Valerie Jarrett, the president's close adviser and a longtime Chicago friend, who had a cool relationship with Mr. Summers.

The New York Times

Yet the two leaders' opposing economic philosophies — with Mr. Obama pushing Germans to agree to some form of common debt-sharing for Europe and Ms. Merkel insisting on balanced budgets and austerity — and their reserved personal interaction have repeatedly been interpreted as indicative of a cool relationship.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

He had good working relationships with Presidents Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford and Jimmy Carter, but a cooler relationship with President Ronald Reagan.

The New York Times

But impressions of a cooler relationship between the current leaders crystallized when Brown first visited Obama at the White House in March.

The Washington Post

The lack of a vocal religious right partly explains why they have had a cooler relationship with the Republicans than the Labour Party enjoys with the Democrats.

The Economist

The comments mark a cooling relationship between Labor and News Corp. Launching the second volume of his autobiography in October, Rudd accused Murdoch of prosecuting a "direct agenda" through his newspapers, which he says toppled Rudd himself and then Malcolm Turnbull as prime minister.

The Guardian

This latest call from the Australian government comes after controversy earlier this year over the treatment of New Zealanders with criminal convictions, who were being detained and deported another possible sign of a cooling relationship between the two Oceanic neighbours.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cool relationship" to describe connections that are friendly and relaxed, but not necessarily deeply intimate or close-knit. It's useful when indicating a comfortable and easygoing dynamic.

Common error

Avoid using "a cool relationship" when you want to convey deep affection or intense emotional connection. This phrase is best suited for describing more casual, easygoing dynamics, not profound bonds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cool relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "cool" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "relationship". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cool relationship" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe a connection that is relaxed, friendly, and informal. While Ludwig confirms its usability, it's important to consider the context, as the phrase can imply a lack of deep emotional attachment. Alternatives such as "a cordial relationship" or "a friendly connection" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for a wide range of communicative contexts. Be mindful of not using it to imply very strong connections. Choose your words carefully to fit the meaning you want to transmit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friendly connection

Highlights the element of friendship.

a chilly relationship

Suggests a more negative or distant connection.

an amicable relationship

Indicates friendliness and lack of conflict.

a good rapport

Emphasizes positive feelings and easy communication.

a cordial relationship

Implies politeness and formality.

a lukewarm relationship

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or warmth.

a distant relationship

Suggests a lack of emotional closeness or involvement.

a casual acquaintance

Indicates a superficial or infrequent interaction.

a strained relationship

Implies tension or difficulties in the connection.

a working partnership

Focuses on collaboration and professional interaction.

FAQs

How can I describe "a cool relationship" in other words?

You can use phrases like "a cordial relationship", "an amicable relationship", or "a friendly connection" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a cool relationship" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a cool relationship" is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using terms like "a professional relationship" or "a working partnership" to maintain a higher degree of formality.

What's the difference between "a cool relationship" and "a warm relationship"?

"A cool relationship" implies a relaxed, casual, and perhaps somewhat distant connection, while "a warm relationship" suggests a more affectionate, emotionally close, and supportive bond. The choice depends on the specific dynamic you wish to describe.

Can "a cool relationship" ever have negative connotations?

While typically neutral or slightly positive, "a cool relationship" can imply a lack of strong emotional attachment or even a hint of indifference. Therefore, it's essential to consider the context and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning. If the relationship is more negative, consider a phrase like "a strained relationship".