a substantive relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantive relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the significance or importance of a relationship, often in legal, academic, or professional settings. Example: "The court determined that there was a substantive relationship between the parties involved, which influenced the outcome of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In making its case for war, the administration dismissed the arguments of experts who noted that despite some contacts between Baghdad and Osama bin Laden's followers over the years, there was no strong evidence of a substantive relationship.

The New York Times

A commonly used rule-of-thumb considers an association of V > .10 to indicate a substantive relationship between two variables (AcaStat 2012).

Crime Science

Although the focus of his analysis is not on the business cycle, he concludes there is little evidence of a substantive relationship between multiple job holding and the national business cycle in time series patterns (such as in Fig. 1) showing aggregate US data (Lalé 2015, p. 2).

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Hopper told reporters in Orlando that agents "determined the contact was minimal and did not constitute a substantive relationship or a threat at that time".

Los Angeles Times

It's insulting to say all black women lack a realistic and compassionate view of what it takes to have a substantive relationship.

Huffington Post

The FBI "determined that contact was minimal and did not constitute a substantive relationship or a threat at that time," Ronald Hopper, an FBI official, told reporters in Orlando.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

However, that is to posit a synthetic, substantive relationship between the concepts, and is far from indicating that speaking of "meaning in life" is analytically a matter of connoting ideas regarding happiness or rightness, which is what I am denying here.

SEP

Yet, by many accounts, the more public disagreements masked a private, cordial and substantive relationship that has led the two countries to the beginnings of a thaw.

Los Angeles Times

I realized the power of addressing not just what our customers "stood in" but what they "stood for" would provide a much more meaningful and substantive relationship.

Huffington Post

The nineteenth-century Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle didn't much like the new industrial order, but he did understand the substantive relationship between human beings and their technologies: "Man is a Tool-using Animal.... Nowhere do you find him without Tools; without Tools he is nothing, with Tools he is all".

The New Yorker

"The more substantive relationship we have with Moscow, the more we can defuse the zero-sum thinking about our relations with Russia's neighbors," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a substantive relationship", ensure that the context clearly establishes the importance and depth of the relationship being described. Use it when emphasizing that the relationship goes beyond superficial interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantive relationship" if the connection is merely superficial or casual. Reserve it for scenarios where the relationship has a significant impact or demonstrates a notable level of involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantive relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantive" modifies "relationship". It describes the nature of the relationship, emphasizing its importance and significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantive relationship" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, that describes a connection of significance and depth. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context warrants its use, avoiding overstatement. Alternatives such as "a meaningful connection" or "a significant bond" can offer similar connotations. Remember that “substantive” indicates importance in nature rather than size. Using this phrase correctly can add precision and clarity to your writing, especially in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful connection

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the connection.

a significant bond

Highlights the strength and importance of the connection.

a considerable association

Focuses on the extent and importance of the association.

a profound connection

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the connection.

a deep-seated rapport

Highlights the established and strong nature of the relationship.

a robust link

Focuses on the strength and reliability of the link.

a weighty interdependence

Stresses the significance and mutual reliance within the relationship.

a consequential interaction

Emphasizes the impact and importance of the interaction.

a material connection

Focuses on the tangible and relevant aspects of the connection.

an essential affiliation

Highlights the necessity and importance of the affiliation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantive relationship" to describe a connection that is meaningful, significant, and goes beyond superficial interactions. For instance, "The investigation revealed "a substantive relationship" between the company and its suppliers, indicating potential conflicts of interest."

What are some alternatives to "a substantive relationship"?

Alternatives include "a meaningful connection", "a significant bond", or "a profound connection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a substantial relationship" instead of "a substantive relationship"?

While "substantial" and "substantive" are sometimes used interchangeably, "substantive" is more precise when describing a relationship that is meaningful and important in its nature. "Substantial" often refers to size or amount. Therefore, using "substantive" is generally preferred in this context.

What distinguishes "a substantive relationship" from "a casual acquaintance"?

"A substantive relationship" implies a significant and meaningful connection characterized by depth, importance, and mutual involvement. In contrast, "a casual acquaintance" refers to a superficial and informal connection, lacking the depth and significance of "a substantive relationship".