a limited relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"a limited relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a relationship that is not strong, has very little trust, or is limited in its scope. For example, "I have a limited relationship with my neighbor - we only exchange pleasantries when we pass each other on the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Deneuve admitted she had a "limited" relationship with new technology.

The Guardian - Film

The European Union maintains only a limited relationship with Cuba, demanding human rights improvements there, while Washington's longstanding economic embargo remains in place.

The New York Times

Smith, who had no connection with the N.F.L. before he became the head of the players union, was virtually unknown to many owners and had only a limited relationship with Goodell when negotiations began.

The New York Times - Sports

Typology, system of groupings (such as "landed gentry" or "rain forests"), usually called types, the members of which are identified by postulating specified attributes that are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive groupings set up to aid demonstration or inquiry by establishing a limited relationship among phenomena.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Specifically, the findings suggest that household size and floor area are key to electricity savings, but the ageing Japanese society shows a limited relationship with electricity savings.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The experimental results reveal that there is only a limited relationship between the measured maximum temperatures and the tangential energy loss during an impact.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Jones said she met Conte a number of years ago and had a very limited relationship with him.

The New York Times - Sports

"Before that, I never had a mental picture of my father, and only a very limited relationship to him.

The New York Times

Asked whether Zatuliveter had any link with the Russian security services, he said: "We have a very limited relationship with this person.

The Guardian

"I have a very limited relationship with Tom.

BBC

Until recently, there has been a very limited relationship between the spaces of the digital content and the physical world.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the quality of a relationship between people or entities use "a limited relationship" to accurately convey a sense of distance, infrequent interaction, or a lack of deep connection.

Common error

Avoid using "a limited relationship" when the intention is to describe a relationship that has suffered harm or deterioration. Instead, use terms like "strained relationship" or "damaged relationship" to accurately depict the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a limited relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the nature or quality of a connection between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase correctly describes a relationship that is not strong or deep.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a limited relationship" is a grammatically sound phrase, commonly used to describe connections lacking depth or frequency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It is important to use this phrase when conveying a lack of intensity, formality, or close interaction, rather than when describing a damaged or strained connection. Usage is prevalent across News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. To enhance clarity and precision in writing, consider alternatives like "superficial connection" or "tenuous link" depending on the nuances you wish to express. By understanding the appropriate context and nuances, writers can effectively leverage “a limited relationship” to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an arms-length interaction

Stresses the deliberate lack of intimacy or closeness.

a restricted interaction

Highlights the constraints and boundaries of the exchange.

a circumscribed engagement

Emphasizes the defined and restricted scope of the involvement.

a superficial connection

Focuses on the lack of depth in the association.

a distant association

Conveys the remoteness and lack of closeness in the connection.

a tenuous link

Emphasizes the fragility and uncertainty of the bond.

a casual acquaintance

Highlights the informal and non-committal nature of the bond.

a nodding acquaintance

Emphasizes the minimal level of familiarity and interaction.

a professional association

Focuses on the purpose-driven nature of the connection.

a formal connection

Highlights the structural nature of the link.

FAQs

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

You can use "a limited relationship" to describe a connection that is not strong, frequent, or deep. For example, "Despite working together, they have "a limited relationship"."

What's a good alternative to "a limited relationship"?

Alternatives include phrases like "superficial connection", "tenuous link", or "distant association", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a limited relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "a limited relationship" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to describe a relationship that lacks depth or frequency. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What is the difference between "a limited relationship" and "a strained relationship"?

"A limited relationship" indicates a lack of depth or frequent interaction, while "a strained relationship" suggests tension or conflict. They are not interchangeable; a relationship can be limited without being strained, and vice versa.