a flexible relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flexible relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that allows for adaptability and change, often in personal or professional contexts. Example: "In our team, we maintain a flexible relationship that enables us to adjust our roles based on project needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He may be a magnet for mistreatment, or he may have a flexible relationship with the truth.

The New York Times

One thing Ms. Benton learned from studying Vishniac's many unpublished photographs, contact sheets and negatives, as well as scrapbooks, letters and other writings, some of which are on display here in vitrines, was that he had a flexible relationship with truth.

The New York Times - Arts

The fabrics are fantastic, too, but the designers the store emphasizes have a flexible relationship with color, using it in outrageous and savvy ways: webbed cotton belts in baby blue or yellow by Leather Man Ltd. ($30); bags from Epperson Mountaineering with slashes of purple, green or yellow ($185 for a backpack); or some glorious and stretchy tie-dye T-shirts by Shabd ($66).

The New York Times

Or that they clearly have a flexible relationship with sanity and need to have their derangement mansplained to them.

TechCrunch

Unlike some other corporate venture firms, Iltchev prefers having both investing and corp dev in one unit, to develop a flexible relationship with startups that could turn into a partnership, investment or acquisition.

TechCrunch

ODT-models allow for a flexible relationship between the variables.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Nurses adopt a flexible, relationship-based approach to the assessment process; however, they experience tension when required to incorporate structured psychosocial assessment processes.

BMC Health Services Research

We fared a little better with The New York Times, where David Leonhardt wrote a long column concluding that "Mr. Dobbs has a somewhat flexible relationship with reality".

Huffington Post

For one thing, Mr. Dobbs has a somewhat flexible relationship with reality.

The New York Times

Cameron's strongest argument for a more flexible relationship with the EU is that the union does not require all its members to follow the same legal rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

Age was modelled using a restricted cubic spline having knots at ages 60, 70, and 80 years to allow for a more flexible relationship between N+ and age.

Brain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing professional arrangements, use "a flexible relationship" to indicate adaptability in roles, responsibilities, or working conditions. This highlights a willingness to adjust to changing needs.

Common error

While "a flexible relationship" is acceptable, overuse in highly formal or legal documents might diminish the perception of structure and commitment. Consider stronger terms like 'adaptable agreement' or 'dynamic partnership' where greater precision is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flexible relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As seen in Ludwig, it describes a type of connection or interaction characterized by adaptability and the ability to change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a flexible relationship" is grammatically sound and conveys the idea of a connection or association characterized by adaptability. As Ludwig AI states, it is used to describe connections that are not rigid but capable of adjusting to changing needs. While found in varied contexts such as News & Media, Science and Formal & Business writing, its frequency is uncommon. When writing, consider if this phrase accurately conveys the dynamic and adaptable nature you wish to express. Remember to use it mindfully, especially in formal contexts where greater precision and strength may be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adaptable connection

Emphasizes the ability to adjust and suit different conditions within a connection.

a fluid association

Highlights the flowing and changeable nature of the association.

a malleable bond

Focuses on the capacity of the bond to be shaped or influenced.

a dynamic interplay

Suggests an active and evolving interaction between parties.

a responsive alliance

Indicates that the alliance is reactive and able to change based on external factors.

an adjustable partnership

Highlights the ability to modify the terms or structure of the partnership.

a versatile collaboration

Implies the collaboration can be applied to various tasks or situations.

an elastic understanding

Emphasizes the ability to stretch and accommodate different perspectives or interpretations within an understanding.

a yielding agreement

Suggests the agreement can be bent or compromised on.

a variable interaction

Highlights the fluctuating and diverse nature of the interaction.

FAQs

How can "a flexible relationship" be used in a sentence?

"A flexible relationship" can describe various contexts, such as a business partnership that adapts to market changes or a personal connection that accommodates individual needs.

What are some alternatives to saying "a flexible relationship"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "an adaptable connection", "a fluid association", or "a dynamic interplay".

Is it appropriate to use "a flexible relationship" in a formal business setting?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but consider the specific context. In legal documents, more precise terms like "adaptable agreement" may be preferable. In general conversations, "a flexible relationship" is perfectly fine.

What does it mean when someone says they have "a flexible relationship" with the truth?

In that context, "a flexible relationship with the truth" implies that the person is not always truthful and may exaggerate or distort facts. It's a euphemistic way of saying someone is dishonest.