a cordial relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cordial relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a friendly and warm connection between individuals or groups. Example: "The two companies maintained a cordial relationship, which facilitated smooth collaboration on various projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have a cordial relationship with my neighbor.

The New York Times

And Sandoval maintains a cordial relationship with Reid.

The Washington Post

The "two Ehuds," Olmert and Barak, had a cordial relationship, despite belonging to different parties.

The New Yorker

Colonel Albertazzie had a cordial relationship with the president, he told The Daily News in 1972.

The New York Times

Senator McCain and Mr. Powell share a cordial relationship and deregulatory philosophy.

The New York Times

I actually like him, and I think we have a cordial relationship".

The New York Times

Mr. Fabrizio said he met Mr. Cain in 1993 and has had a cordial relationship with him ever since.

The New York Times

She maintained a cordial relationship with Glenn, who had visitation rights with the children every other weekend.

The New Yorker

While the consultations may be recent, the two men — both native New Yorkers — have long had a cordial relationship.

The New York Times

He will succeed Scott Gottlieb, who announced his resignation last week and with whom he has a cordial relationship.

The Washington Post

Clinton's tenure at State was otherwise mostly free from controversy, and she maintained a cordial relationship with the press corps.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing professional dynamics, "a cordial relationship" effectively conveys politeness and cooperation without implying deep friendship. Use it to depict functional and respectful interactions in the workplace.

Common error

Avoid using "a cordial relationship" when you intend to express deep affection or intimacy. The term suggests politeness and professional respect rather than strong emotional bonds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cordial relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., maintain, have, develop). It indicates a state of friendly and polite interaction between two or more parties, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cordial relationship" is a noun phrase denoting a polite and friendly connection, commonly used in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in describing interactions devoid of animosity. While suggesting respect and civility, the phrase avoids implying deep emotional attachment, making it ideal for professional or formal settings. Alternatives like "a friendly rapport" or "a warm connection" may be more appropriate when conveying greater intimacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friendly rapport

Replaces "relationship" with "rapport", suggesting a more immediate and spontaneous connection.

a warm connection

Substitutes "cordial relationship" with "warm connection", focusing on the emotional aspect.

an amicable association

Uses more formal terms, "amicable" and "association", implying a professional or less intimate connection.

a harmonious interaction

Emphasizes the smooth and agreeable nature of the interaction, rather than the relationship itself.

a good understanding

Focuses on mutual comprehension and agreement, possibly without strong personal connection.

a close understanding

It implies more proximity or attachment than merely "a good understanding".

a positive affiliation

Implies a formal or official connection that is viewed favorably.

a respectful exchange

Highlights the mutual regard and politeness present in their interactions.

a collaborative partnership

Suggests a working relationship focused on achieving common goals.

a courteous acquaintance

Indicates a polite but superficial connection, lacking depth.

FAQs

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

You can use "a cordial relationship" to describe a friendly and polite connection between people or entities. For example: "Despite their disagreements, the two leaders maintained "a cordial relationship"."

What are some alternatives to "a cordial relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a friendly rapport", "a warm connection", or "an amicable association".

Is it appropriate to use "a cordial relationship" to describe a family connection?

While technically correct, "a cordial relationship" is more often used to describe professional or formal connections. For family, terms like "a loving relationship" or "a close bond" are generally more fitting.

What's the difference between "a cordial relationship" and "a close relationship"?

"A cordial relationship" implies politeness and respect, while "a close relationship" suggests intimacy, trust, and emotional depth. The former is suitable for describing professional acquaintances; the latter, for family and very close friends.