a rough relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rough relationship" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a difficult or turbulent romantic relationship between two people. Example: Despite their deep love for each other, Jane and John's marriage was characterized by a rough relationship, filled with constant arguments and misunderstandings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Our relationship was a rough relationship when I was in Los Angeles, Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

As you can see there is a rough relationship (note the different scales; unemployment is normally higher so the balance is normally negative).

The Economist

First there is normally a rough relationship between yields, currently 3.3% for ten-year Treasury bonds, and nominal GDP growth projected at around 5% a year.

The Economist

"Apple historically had a rough relationship with researchers," said Rich Mogull, CEO of Securosis and a security analyst who keeps tabs on iOS security.

TechCrunch

Figure 5b shows that there is a rough relationship between the effort in trapping, expressed as the number of traps set out in a given building or rooms and the number of insects caught (mostly as S. hilleri).

Heritage Science

Ken and I have had a rough relationship for many years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The comedy show follows a couple's rough relationship start and their adventures in the Big Apple.

Huffington Post

For those ZnO nanorod arrays, the F-N plots (Fig. 3b) show a rough linear relationship, implying that a quantum-tunneling mechanism is responsible for the emission.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In Fig. 7a, we see that K2O/Al2O3 shows a rough negative relationship with SiO2/Al2O3 implying that sandier sediments are generally less altered than mud-rich sediments.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

There was a rough inverse relationship between the reversion and mutation rates.

Plosone

These observations are supported by the rough relationship between the amplitudes of the infrasonic and seismic signals.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a challenging interpersonal dynamic, consider using "a rough relationship" to convey the presence of difficulties and potential conflicts. However, use alternatives like "strained relationship" or "turbulent relationship" if you want to emphasize specific aspects of the difficulty.

Common error

While "a rough relationship" is versatile, it can be vague. To enhance clarity, specify the nature of the 'roughness'. Instead of just saying they have "a rough relationship", elaborate by adding details about the primary issues: constant arguments, lack of communication, or conflicting values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rough relationship" functions as a noun phrase that describes a particular type of interpersonal connection. It utilizes the adjective "rough" to qualify the noun "relationship", indicating that the connection is experiencing difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rough relationship" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a challenging or difficult interpersonal connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to communicate the presence of difficulties, disagreements, or tension within a relationship. While it is a versatile descriptor, it's beneficial to specify the nature of the 'roughness' for clarity. Consider alternatives like "a strained relationship" or "a turbulent relationship" to convey specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult relationship

This alternative directly substitutes 'rough' with 'difficult', maintaining a similar level of intensity and meaning.

a troubled relationship

Replaces 'rough' with 'troubled', highlighting the presence of problems or distress within the relationship.

a strained relationship

Suggests tension and a lack of ease within the relationship, indicating a level of discomfort.

a turbulent relationship

Emphasizes the unstable and chaotic nature of the relationship, highlighting frequent disruptions and conflicts.

a rocky relationship

Uses a metaphor to describe the relationship as uneven and full of obstacles, implying challenges and instability.

a challenging relationship

Focuses on the demanding and testing aspects of the relationship, indicating that it requires significant effort and resilience.

a conflicted relationship

Highlights the presence of unresolved disputes and opposing viewpoints within the relationship, suggesting potential for ongoing arguments.

a discordant relationship

Emphasizes the lack of harmony and agreement within the relationship, suggesting a fundamental incompatibility or misalignment.

a tumultuous relationship

Similar to 'turbulent', but with a stronger emphasis on emotional upheaval and dramatic events within the relationship.

a testing relationship

Highlights the demanding and challenging nature of the relationship, suggesting that it puts individuals involved under significant pressure.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a rough relationship" with someone?

Having "a rough relationship" typically means that the relationship is marked by difficulties, disagreements, and possibly tension or conflict. It suggests that the individuals involved are experiencing challenges in maintaining a harmonious connection.

What are some signs that a couple is going through "a rough relationship"?

Signs of "a rough relationship" might include frequent arguments, poor communication, a lack of trust, emotional distance, and recurring feelings of dissatisfaction or unhappiness.

What can I say instead of "a rough relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "a difficult relationship", "a turbulent relationship", or "a strained relationship" depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

Is "a rough relationship" always negative?

While generally indicating challenges, "a rough relationship" isn't always entirely negative. It can also suggest a relationship where individuals are working through problems and attempting to improve their connection, even amidst difficulties.