a distant relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that lacks closeness or intimacy, whether in a personal, familial, or professional context. Example: "Despite being family, they have always maintained a distant relationship, rarely communicating or spending time together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then again, I have a distant relationship with the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Before this year, Edna Kiplagat had developed a distant relationship with the marathon.

The New York Times - Sports

So it was quite a distant relationship, Eyre says, until she visited him last year.

The Guardian - Music

The two had a distant relationship until the last few years of Cal's life.

Independent

Mr Holmes has also found a distant relationship to Britney Spears.

The Economist

His parents divorced before he turned 10; he and his father have since had a distant relationship, he said yesterday.

The New York Times

Though China remains North Korea's only international patron, Xi has had a distant relationship with dictator Kim Jong Un.

The Washington Post

The pair developed a distant relationship and Leonardo stayed in touch with his mother through a series of letters.

The Guardian

"I think I had quite a distant relationship with my father and we couldn't really get through to each other.

The Guardian - Books

Robert feels that his father, with whom he had a distant relationship, began to view him with respect.

The New Yorker

Here, a distant relationship between the catalytic domains of GPI-PLD and some bacterial phospholipases C is demonstrated.

FEBS Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the nature of a relationship, ensure that the adjective accurately reflects the level of emotional intimacy and engagement between the parties involved. Using "a distant relationship" implies a lack of closeness, not necessarily animosity.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant relationship" when the relationship is actively hostile or abusive. This phrase best describes relationships where there's simply a lack of closeness or frequent interaction, not active conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'have', 'develop') or the subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to describe a lack of closeness or emotional intimacy between individuals. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse relational contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant relationship" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a connection characterized by a lack of emotional closeness, interaction, or strong bonds. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct for written English. It's commonly used in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately conveys the intended lack of intimacy without implying active hostility. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "a strained relationship" or "a tenuous connection" depending on the specific nuance you wish to communicate. Ludwig's examples illustrate the diverse application of this phrase across different types of relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strained relationship

Focuses on the tension and difficulty within the relationship.

a tenuous connection

Emphasizes the fragility and instability of the bond.

an estranged bond

Highlights a breakdown and separation within the relationship.

a detached affiliation

Suggests a lack of emotional involvement or commitment.

a superficial acquaintance

Implies a lack of depth and meaningful interaction.

a formal association

Indicates a relationship based on professional or societal obligation rather than personal connection.

a loose association

Implies a weak and non-binding connection.

an arms-length arrangement

Focuses on maintaining distance and avoiding close involvement, often in business contexts.

a polite interaction

Underlines the courteous but impersonal nature of the exchange.

a casual acquaintance

Denotes a light and infrequent interaction with someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "a distant relationship" to describe a connection lacking emotional intimacy or frequent contact. For example, "He had "a distant relationship" with his father due to his frequent travels".

What's the difference between "a distant relationship" and "an estranged relationship"?

"A distant relationship" implies a lack of closeness, while "an estranged relationship" suggests a prior close connection that has broken down.

What are some alternatives to using "a distant relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a strained relationship", "a tenuous connection", or "a formal association".

Is it correct to say someone 'has' "a distant relationship"?

Yes, it is correct. The verb 'have' is commonly used to describe the nature of a relationship, such as 'He has "a distant relationship" with his siblings'.