a strained partnership

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strained partnership" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship or collaboration that is experiencing tension or difficulties. Example: "Despite their shared goals, the two companies found themselves in a strained partnership due to differing management styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The two formed a strained partnership that yielded as grumpily and inevitably as the fixer-upper.

The New York Times

A Strained Partnership After the spill, the government and BP were supposed to cooperate, partly a consequence of laws written after the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill that were intended to make polluters more accountable for cleaning up their own messes.

The New York Times

Mr. de Montebello and Mr. Luers were said to have had a strained partnership, one that was dissolved in 1999, when Mr. de Montebello was given full charge of the museum, and Mr. Luers retired.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

England also lost Webb with a strained Achilles tendon for the last 20 minutes and this upset the balance of what had been a successful midfield partnership with Robson's replacement, McMahon.

The Guardian - Sport

She gives a strained laugh.

The New Yorker

A strained relationship existed betw.

The New Yorker

Parker has a strained hamstring.

The New York Times - Sports

He has a strained groin.

The New York Times

A strained atmosphere ensues.

The New Yorker

He gives a strained, very white smile.

The New Yorker

"No," she said, with a strained expression.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a business or political connection, consider using "a strained partnership" to underscore underlying tensions or disagreements that impact the effectiveness of the collaboration.

Common error

Avoid using "strained" excessively in very formal or academic writing. While acceptable, more nuanced vocabulary such as "tenuous" or "difficult" might better suit the gravity of the situation being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strained partnership" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "strained" modifies "partnership". It indicates a particular quality or condition of the partnership. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strained partnership" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a collaborative relationship marked by tension or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Although relatively rare, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of the subtle connotations it carries and ensure it aligns with the intended message. Consider alternative phrases like "tense alliance" or "difficult collaboration" for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tense alliance

Emphasizes the presence of underlying tension and unease within the alliance.

a difficult collaboration

Focuses on the challenges and obstacles encountered during the collaborative effort.

a troubled alliance

Highlights the problems and difficulties experienced within the alliance.

a rocky relationship

Suggests instability and frequent disagreements within the relationship.

a fraught collaboration

Indicates a collaboration filled with anxiety, stress, and potential conflict.

an uneasy alliance

Highlights the lack of comfort and trust among the parties in the alliance.

a precarious partnership

Suggests the partnership is unstable and vulnerable to collapse.

a discordant association

Emphasizes the lack of harmony and agreement within the association.

an imbalanced cooperation

Highlights the unequal distribution of power, resources, or effort in the cooperation.

a fragile working relationship

Suggests the working relationship is delicate and easily disrupted.

FAQs

How can I use "a strained partnership" in a sentence?

"A strained partnership" can be used to describe any relationship or collaboration characterized by tension or difficulty. For example: "Despite their initial enthusiasm, the two companies developed "a strained partnership" due to conflicting goals."

What are some alternatives to "a strained partnership"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a tense alliance", "a difficult collaboration", or "a rocky relationship".

Is "strained relationship" or "strained partnership" more appropriate?

Both phrases are valid, but "strained relationship" is more general and can apply to any kind of connection, while "strained partnership" specifically refers to a collaborative effort or formal agreement experiencing difficulty.

What factors might lead to "a strained partnership"?

Factors that can lead to "a strained partnership" include differing management styles, conflicting goals, unequal contributions, or external pressures affecting one or both parties.