a fleeting connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting connection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or temporary relationship or interaction between people or things. Example: "Their conversation was brief, but it sparked a fleeting connection that neither of them would forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She felt a fleeting connection between this awe and the possibility that God exists.

The New Yorker

He recommends getting up close: buy beers for strangers or get a haircut and straight-razor shave at the local barbershop – anything to heighten what is often a fleeting connection to places and people.

BBC

Prior to social media, you would have lost such a fleeting connection.

Huffington Post

Even a fleeting connection to a famous DJ is worth a humble-brag: "Carl Craig's twice-removed cousin's aunt?

Vice

But if the other people does smile back (and most will) you'll have shared a special moment with that person, a fleeting connection with another human being that'll leave you with a pep in your step.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I mean, have you had your nude Olympics yet?" The freshman seemed to want to maintain the fleeting connection to a person who had gone this way before.

The New Yorker

A good information-dissemination algorithm should thus ensure that two cars passing each other in opposite directions, with only a fleeting wireless connection, will exchange high-priority data — say, that a tractor trailer has jackknifed across three lanes of traffic on the nearby interstate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The sounds wafting through the city kind of give me a neat "at-home" feeling and a fleeting deeper connection with the country.

HuffPost

We can try to find common ground with each other as a means to make these fleeting connections palatable.

HuffPost

In a sense, his art - garrulous, extrovert, energetic, making fleeting connections all the time between one thought and another - is nearer to the show's brief than any other.

The Guardian - Arts

Fragile, fleeting connections shatter in the wind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships or interactions that are not meant to last, use "a fleeting connection" to accurately convey their temporary nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a fleeting connection" to describe bonds that are intended to be enduring or meaningful. This phrase suggests a lack of depth and longevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting connection" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fleeting' modifies 'connection', indicating a temporary or brief association. It describes the nature of the connection, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting connection" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a temporary or brief relationship. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, denoting transient bonds or interactions. While not overly frequent, the phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings to accurately convey the ephemeral nature of a connection. Alternatives include phrases like "a momentary link" or "a transient bond" for a subtly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a momentary link

Focuses on the very short duration of the connection.

a transient bond

Highlights the temporary nature and emotional aspect of the connection.

a brief encounter

Emphasizes the brevity of the interaction, often between people.

a passing acquaintance

Describes a superficial and short-lived relationship.

a quick interaction

Highlights the speed and limited scope of the interaction.

a short-lived relationship

Focuses on the temporary nature of a bond between individuals or entities.

a temporary association

Stresses the impermanence and formality of the connection.

a casual encounter

Indicates a lack of deep or lasting engagement.

a superficial interaction

Underlines the lack of depth or meaningful engagement.

a tenuous link

Highlights the fragility and instability of the connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting connection" to describe a short-lived interaction or relationship between people or things. For example, "Their conversation was brief, but it sparked "a fleeting connection" that neither of them would forget."

What's the difference between "a fleeting connection" and "a lasting relationship"?

"A fleeting connection" describes a short, temporary bond, while "a lasting relationship" implies a long-term, meaningful bond. The former emphasizes transience, the latter, permanence.

What can I say instead of "a fleeting connection"?

You can use alternatives like "a momentary link", "a transient bond", or "a brief encounter" depending on the context.

Is "a fleeting connection" formal or informal?

"A fleeting connection" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than on the phrase itself.