a strained relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"a strained relationship" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a relationship that is tense, difficult, or troubled. Example: After years of constant arguments and misunderstandings, Emily and her sister had a strained relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A strained relationship existed betw.

The New Yorker

And so began a strained relationship.

The Guardian

The American president has a strained relationship with the media.

The Guardian

And it has a strained relationship with the character's origins.

The New Yorker

"I have a strained relationship with my daughter," she begins.

The Guardian

She is mentally unstable and we have a strained relationship.

The Guardian - Opinion

No-Show Houseguests My sister and I have a strained relationship.

The New York Times

"It was a strained relationship, but it was civil," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Like Lieberman, he had a strained relationship with the new President.

The New Yorker

Remarks by Mr Abe in the spring on wartime history worsened a strained relationship.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Leachman will guest as Maddie's (Kirstie Alley) mother who has a... strained relationship with her daughter.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships, use "a strained relationship" to accurately portray tension, conflict, or distance between individuals or groups. It effectively conveys a sense of unease and difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "strained" multiple times in the same paragraph or closely related sentences. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "tense", "difficult", or "fragile" to describe different aspects of the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strained relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes the state or quality of a connection between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a strained relationship" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a connection experiencing tension or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to objectively convey a negative dynamic. When using the phrase, consider the potential for overuse and explore synonyms to add variety to your writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively communicate the nuances of challenging relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult relationship

Emphasizes the challenging aspects and overall hardship of the connection.

a tense connection

Highlights the presence of underlying pressure and discomfort.

a troubled bond

Focuses on the distress and problems affecting the relationship's strength.

a rocky association

Suggests instability and unpredictable challenges within the relationship.

a fragile alliance

Implies the relationship is delicate and easily disrupted.

a fraying tie

Conveys a sense of gradual weakening and potential breakdown in the relationship.

a deteriorating rapport

Highlights the declining quality and worsening dynamics of the relationship.

a discordant partnership

Emphasizes the lack of harmony and agreement between parties.

a contentious dynamic

Focuses on the argumentative and conflict-ridden nature of the relationship.

an uneasy alliance

Expresses a lack of trust and comfort within the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strained relationship" to describe difficulties between people or entities. For example: "After the argument, they had "a strained relationship"."

What are some alternatives to "a strained relationship"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "a difficult relationship", "a tense connection", or "a troubled bond".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a strained relationship"?

Yes, "a strained relationship" is grammatically correct. It's a common and accepted way to describe a relationship experiencing tension or difficulty.

What contributes to "a strained relationship"?

Factors such as unresolved conflicts, poor communication, differing values, and external pressures can all contribute to "a strained relationship".