a private relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a private relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is not public or is kept confidential between the involved parties. Example: "They decided to keep their romantic involvement a secret, as they wanted to maintain a private relationship away from the public eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Why should I collude with a dishonest intrusion into a private relationship?

The Guardian

Nobody knows what happens in a private relationship, and I deny anyone the right to judge mine.

The New York Times

"By the end of that book, I felt I had a private relationship with William Shakespeare," she said.

The New York Times

Biographers often report that they enjoy a private relationship with their subject that is (even when this is impossible, because the subject is dead) shared on both sides.

The Guardian - Books

Painting is a private relationship between me and the canvas, and the only time I can do that uninterrupted is during the night.

The Guardian - Money

Osborne maintained Ashcroft's tax status was his personal business: "We live in a country where people are entitled to a private relationship with the Inland Revenue".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

– A lot of bloggers talked about Path (me for example) as a solution for having a private relationships for true real friends.

TechCrunch

And if I already have a confidential, private relationship with a medical professional (one who knows what medications I may or may not be taking for medical issues I may or may not be experiencing), who cares if she sees my very public tweets about the hottest Parisian beauty balms or chefs who've discontinued favorite dishes in New York restaurants?

Huffington Post

We have a very private relationship with our directors, most often conducted in very dark rooms.

The Guardian - Film

He offers his sense of having had a sacrosanct private relationship violated by these "self-appointed sons and daughters", as the point of departure for his own literary journey.

The Guardian - Books

In the 1990s, Mr. Lao, vice director of the SSDNC, began to lobby the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and maintain a close private relationship with officials of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a private relationship", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for privacy. Is it due to confidentiality, intimacy, or other specific factors?

Common error

Avoid using "a private relationship" in contexts where a more general term like "personal relationship" would suffice. Using "private" can sometimes imply a level of secrecy or importance that isn't actually present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a private relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a type of connection between individuals that is characterized by its non-public nature. As Ludwig shows, its usage extends from personal connections to professional associations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a private relationship" describes a connection shielded from public view, whether for intimacy, discretion, or confidentiality. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage across diverse contexts, from personal matters reported in News & Media to ethical considerations in Science. While grammatically sound, it's important to ensure the "private" aspect is genuinely relevant to avoid overstating the relationship's significance. Consider alternatives like "confidential connection" or "personal bond" for broader applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a confidential connection

Emphasizes the secrecy and discretion involved in the relationship.

a personal bond

Highlights the individual and intimate nature of the relationship.

an intimate affair

Focuses on the close and potentially romantic aspect of the relationship.

a secret liaison

Suggests a hidden and often romantic relationship.

a secluded partnership

Highlights the isolation and exclusivity of the relationship.

a clandestine understanding

Implies a secret agreement or shared knowledge between individuals.

a privileged communication

Emphasizes the confidential and protected nature of the exchange.

an exclusive attachment

Focuses on the unique and singular nature of the relationship.

a discreet association

Highlights the careful and subtle manner in which the relationship is maintained.

a hidden romance

Specifically refers to a romantic relationship that is kept secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "a private relationship" to describe connections that are not public or are kept confidential. For example, "They decided to keep their romantic involvement a secret, maintaining "a private relationship" away from the public eye."

What are some alternatives to "a private relationship"?

Consider using alternatives like "a confidential connection", "a personal bond", or "an intimate affair", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a private relationship" or "a personal relationship"?

"A private relationship" suggests a deliberate effort to keep the relationship out of the public eye, whereas "a personal relationship" is a more general term. The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is the term "a private relationship" most commonly used?

The term "a private relationship" is commonly used in contexts involving sensitive matters, such as romantic involvements, family dynamics, or professional ethics, where discretion is valued or required.