a friendly relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a friendly relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a positive and amicable connection between individuals or groups. Example: "Despite their differences, they maintained a friendly relationship throughout the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we have a friendly relationship".

The New York Times

He had "a friendly relationship" with Mr Howard.

The Economist

Ours was not at all a friendly relationship.

The Guardian

"We have a friendly relationship," he told me.

The New Yorker

And now we have got a friendly relationship.

The New York Times

I wanted us to have a friendly relationship".

The Guardian - Music

Under a different situation, you might develop a friendly relationship.

The New York Times - Books

The two have a friendly relationship that dates from 1990.

The Washington Post

That, of course, assumes that a friendly relationship has already been established.

The New York Times

With anyone who considered himself Mommsen's equal, a friendly relationship was not likely to last long.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Traditionally Yorkshire miners enjoyed a friendly relationship with the local police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a friendly relationship" to depict scenarios where individuals or entities maintain positive interactions and goodwill. Avoid using this phrase when describing contentious or adversarial dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using "a friendly relationship" to describe professional interactions that are simply polite or courteous. Reserve it for situations with genuine warmth or camaraderie. Using alternative terms like "professional rapport" can prevent overstating the relationship's intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a friendly relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, describing the nature of the connection between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a friendly relationship" is a widely used phrase describing positive and amicable connections. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific context when using it, to accurately reflect the nature and intensity of the connection. Alternatives like "cordial relations" or "positive rapport" may be more appropriate in certain situations. When writing, be mindful of overstating the intensity of the connection and ensure that "a friendly relationship" genuinely reflects warmth and goodwill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly terms

Similar to 'good terms', but more explicitly emphasizing friendship.

good terms

A simpler way of indicating a positive standing in a relationship.

cordial relations

Focuses on politeness and formality in the connection.

amicable connection

Emphasizes a lack of animosity and a sense of goodwill.

warm relationship

Highlights the emotional positivity and caring within the connection.

positive rapport

Highlights mutual understanding and harmonious communication.

harmonious association

Suggests a balanced and agreeable interaction between parties.

close bonds

Implies a deeper level of connection and mutual affection.

collaborative partnership

Highlights cooperation and mutual benefit in a working relationship.

pleasant acquaintance

Indicates a less intense, but still positive, social connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "a friendly relationship" to describe a connection characterized by warmth, goodwill, and positive interactions. For example: "Despite their differences, the two companies maintained "a friendly relationship"".

What are some alternatives to "a friendly relationship"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives include "cordial relations", "amicable connection", or "positive rapport".

What's the difference between "a friendly relationship" and "a professional relationship"?

"A friendly relationship" suggests warmth and personal connection, whereas "a professional relationship" is more formal and focused on work-related interactions. However, it's possible for colleagues to have both "a professional relationship" and "a friendly relationship".

Is it always appropriate to aim for "a friendly relationship" in a business setting?

While fostering positive relationships is generally beneficial, aiming for "a friendly relationship" may not always be appropriate or necessary in a business setting. Maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor can be sufficient, particularly in hierarchical or highly formal environments.