a firm connection

USAGE SUMMARY

"a firm connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a secure and solid relationship between two things, such as people or objects. For example, "This team has built a firm connection with its customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

His own semi-abstract painting always retained a firm connection to realism; he sometimes painted a chosen subject in both modes.

The New York Times - Arts

Lloris comes to punch the corner clear but doesn't get a firm connection - he is reprieved by the referee, who wrongly punishes Hummels for a perfectly legitimate challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

The authorities have yet to establish a firm connection to Mr. bin Laden, but American law enforcement officials have said several threads link the suspects held by the Yemenis to the bin Laden organization.

The New York Times

Here, his main interest lay not in using the new model as an empirical tool for the description of nuclear spectra, but in establishing a firm connection between it and more familiar models, particularly the shell.

The Guardian

8.24pm GMT 37 min:  Ronaldo, who's been inconsequential so far (as, indeed, he has been for much of the campaign, having failed to score in six of the match qualifying matches he played), soars to try to meet a corner but the defender pevents him making a firm connection.

The Guardian - Sport

Since the early 1970's, when Spain began to awaken from the isolation of a four-decade dictatorship, Spanish architects have produced designs of unusual depth, often with a firm connection to the land, a sense of humility and a way of conveying continuity with the past while embracing the present.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But it needed a firmer connection to the facts than it got.

The New York Times

In order to get a firmer connection to the seismic activity, the model has to be further developed.

Geothermal Energy

Some researchers draw a fairly firm connection between post-traumatic stress disorder and domestic violence.

The New York Times

"People have a very firm connection in their mind between anarchism and violence, but anarchists are against violence in any form," said Eric Laursen, 41, a member of Another World Is Possible, an umbrella organization for many anti-globalization groups.

The New York Times

He said, 'Do you know some of the poems?' So I started reciting a poem by Amiri called 'Black Art,' and August started nodding, smiling, saying, 'Oh yeah, man, that's a good one, that's a good one.' "And then we talked about the blues, our lives, his plays, and three cigarettes later, I think a pretty firm connection was made".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the enduring nature of a connection, consider pairing "a firm connection" with verbs like "establish", "maintain", or "strengthen".

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a firm connection" implies a positive relationship. While often used in favorable contexts, it simply denotes a strong link, which could be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the specifics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm connection" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a stable and well-established relationship or association between two or more entities. As Ludwig indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm connection" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a strong and stable relationship or association. As Ludwig AI notes, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and general contexts, emphasizing reliability and establishment. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is being connected. Alternatives include "a strong link" or "a solid bond". Remember that while often positive, "a firm connection" simply indicates a strong link, which can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong link

Focuses on the strength and directness of the association.

a solid bond

Emphasizes the emotional and resilient aspect of the relationship.

a concrete link

Focuses on the tangibility and clear definition of the connection.

a secure relationship

Highlights the safety and stability of the connection.

a cemented bond

Implies a lasting and irreversible connection.

a robust association

Emphasizes the resilience and health of the connection.

a deeply rooted connection

Suggests a connection that is well-established and difficult to break.

an established relationship

Indicates a connection that has been developed over time.

a tightly knit relationship

Emphasizes the closeness and interdependence of those involved.

a steadfast alliance

Highlights the loyalty and commitment within the connection.

FAQs

How can I use "a firm connection" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm connection" to describe a strong relationship or association between two or more things. For example, "The research established "a firm connection" between diet and health outcomes."

What are some alternatives to "a firm connection"?

Alternatives include "a strong link", "a solid bond", or "a secure relationship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a firm connection" or "a strong connection"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a firm connection" implies a more stable or established link, while "a strong connection" emphasizes the intensity of the relationship.

Can "a firm connection" imply a negative relationship?

Yes, "a firm connection" simply indicates a strong link, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. The context determines the nature of the relationship.