a small relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is minor or not very significant in nature. Example: "Although they only had a small relationship, it was meaningful to both of them during that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It was really just a small relationship.

The New York Times

(Ms. Mailer knew from steam heaters. She'd already had a small relationship with Bill Clinton, before he'd married Hillary).

The New York Times - Books

In light of these mostly exploratory findings, the current results seem to contribute to a controversial database, where overall there has been, at best, a small relationship between behavioral and self-reported impulsivity when using these particular measures.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

"It wasn't until I was about 17 [and] there was somebody I had a small relationship with".  .

Huffington Post

"It wasn't until I was about 17 [and] there was somebody I had a small relationship with".

Huffington Post

On the other hand, some studies showed no or only a small relationship between socio-economic status and stage at diagnosis [ 45- 47].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Distraction and usefulness of the test showed a smaller relationship with invested effort (Research Question 2a), a finding that aligns with work by Cole et al. ([2008]).

Large-scale Assessments in Education

For most of the SAQ scales (and some other variables studied), there was a smaller relationship between the scale and EQ-5D index in the PMR MM group.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The EQ-5D index has a relatively strong relationship across different levels of CHD severity with sex, the scales of the SAQ and CCS angina severity class and a smaller relationship with age and ETT.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The optimum compression level option reduces the computation demand by clustering the (n) total individuals into (s) groups based on their realized genomic relationships, allowing the original K matrix to be replaced by a smaller relationship matrix.

BMC Plant Biology

The ECS had a smaller relationship with EQ-5D index in the CECaT groups than in most of the angina groups, perhaps reflecting greater physical disability in the angina groups allowing for larger changes in the EQ-5D index.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a small relationship", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey: Is it the brevity, the lack of depth, or the limited impact of the connection that you want to emphasize?

Common error

Avoid using "a small relationship" to describe connections that have had a significant impact, even if they were brief. Choose language that accurately reflects the importance of the interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "relationship". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes a connection that is limited in scope, duration, or significance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small relationship" is a phrase used to describe a connection that is limited in scope, duration, or significance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to downplay the importance or intensity of an interaction. While it's acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, careful consideration should be given to the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternatives such as ""a minor connection"" or ""a casual acquaintance"" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. The phrase is commonly found in scientific and news media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor connection

Emphasizes the insignificance or limited impact of the relationship.

a brief acquaintance

Highlights the short duration and superficial nature of the relationship.

a limited association

Focuses on the restricted scope or depth of the connection.

a fleeting interaction

Stresses the transient and momentary quality of the relationship.

a superficial bond

Indicates a lack of deep emotional or meaningful ties.

a casual acquaintance

Implies an informal and non-committal relationship.

a tenuous link

Suggests a fragile and easily broken connection.

a marginal affiliation

Conveys a weak or peripheral association.

a passing involvement

Highlights the temporary and non-essential nature of the relationship.

a slight connection

Emphasizes the minimal degree of interaction or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small relationship" to describe a connection that is brief, insignificant, or lacks depth. For example: "Despite their "a small relationship", they remained cordial."

What are some alternatives to "a small relationship"?

Alternatives include "a minor connection", "a brief acquaintance", or "a casual acquaintance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a small relationship" is appropriate in formal writing, but ensure it accurately reflects the nature of the connection. If the connection had significant consequences, consider using more descriptive language.

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

"A small relationship" implies a connection that is not deep or significant, while "a close relationship" suggests a strong, intimate bond.