a loose relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a loose relationship' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a relationship that is not particularly close or meaningful. For example, "He and his wife had a loose relationship; they rarely talked and rarely saw each other".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The club has also entered into a loose relationship with YankeeNets.

The New York Times - Sports

The inflation rate during the first nine months of the election year, for instance, has had only a loose relationship to election outcomes.

The New York Times

In monetarism's heyday, central banks tried to steer the economy by controlling the money supply, which has a loose relationship with spending and inflation.

The Economist

Nuttall has a loose relationship with Harvard, said Peter Alden, a naturalist and author who is a former president of the club.

The New York Times - Science

Brand has always been important in an industry where cost of ingredients bears only a loose relationship to retail price, but in conceptual cosmetics The Name is all.

The New York Times - Magazine

Historically, there was a loose relationship between the population over 16 years of age and the number of new homes sold each year, with an average of 376 homes sold for every 100,000 people from 1963 though 1996.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It appears that the mood for a looser relationship with the EU is pervasive throughout Britain".

The Guardian

As for the renegotiation, Cameron says he wants a looser relationship based on trade.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fox told The World at One on BBC Radio 4: "I want to see a looser relationship.

The Guardian

Or does it crave a looser relationship with Continental allies, one free from meddlesome regulation?

The New York Times

Britain says the country needs a looser relationship with the bloc if it is to stay a member.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a loose relationship", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific aspect of the relationship that is 'loose,' such as commitment, communication, or obligation.

Common error

Avoid using "a loose relationship" when a stronger term like 'estranged' or 'broken' more accurately reflects the actual state of affairs. Using a weaker term can misrepresent the true nature of the connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loose relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes the nature or quality of an association between people or entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a loose relationship" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe connections that lack depth, commitment, or frequent interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its use across diverse contexts. As the analysis indicates, it functions as a noun phrase, often found in news and media, serving to characterize the nature of a bond. While "a loose relationship" is versatile, it's essential to choose it deliberately, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoids misrepresenting the true level of connection. Consider alternative phrases like "a tenuous connection" or "a casual acquaintance" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tenuous connection

Emphasizes the fragility and uncertainty of the bond. The intensity of the connection is weaker.

a casual acquaintance

Highlights the lack of deep involvement or commitment; implies a less formal interaction.

a superficial bond

Focuses on the lack of depth or meaningful engagement between the parties involved.

a distant association

Stresses the emotional or physical separation, implying a lack of regular contact or close ties.

a non-committal partnership

Highlights the lack of obligations or long-term planning in the relationship; applies specifically to partnerships.

a peripheral involvement

Suggests a minimal degree of participation or influence in a particular activity or group.

a passing acquaintance

Emphasizes the fleeting nature of the connection, suggesting it is short-lived or insignificant.

a friendly association

Highlights the presence of cordial interactions without any depth or commitment.

a limited interaction

Indicates infrequent or restricted communication or engagement between the parties.

an informal link

Highlights that the connection lacks official structure or binding agreements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a loose relationship" to describe connections that lack depth, commitment, or regular interaction. For instance, "They maintained "a loose relationship" after graduation, only contacting each other occasionally."

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

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use phrases like "a tenuous connection", "a casual acquaintance", or "a distant association".

When is it appropriate to use "a loose relationship"?

Use "a loose relationship" when you want to indicate that the bond between people or entities is not strong, committed, or well-defined. It's suitable when describing connections that are more casual or infrequent.

What's the difference between "a loose relationship" and "a close relationship"?

"A loose relationship" implies a weak or infrequent connection, while "a close relationship" suggests a strong, supportive, and frequent interaction. The terms are antonyms, representing opposite ends of a spectrum of relationship strength.