a valuable connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valuable connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a relationship or link that is beneficial or advantageous, often in a professional or networking context. Example: "Attending the conference allowed me to establish a valuable connection with industry leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

With their intimate knowledge of northern environments, and rifle expertise arising from a hunting lifestyle, local residents provided the military with a valuable connection to remote regions.

Britannica

But if you step back and consider the collection of contacts you already have (even a weak or dormant tie from back home), you will often be able to identify someone who will be a valuable connection for your new acquaintance to make — or vice versa.

Harvard Business Review

When your paths do cross, you won't be a complete stranger and may be able to make a valuable connection.

Forbes

Hill had a valuable connection in Cardinal scout Chuck Fick, who recommended him to Marty Maier, the team's scouting director.

Los Angeles Times

What this model does do is say that financial services companies, and merchants, need to think about building a valuable connection with customers beyond payments so that the user is loyal to them beyond the purchase.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Just by broadcasting domestic Twenty20 cricket on free to air television, whatever the immediate revenue implications, English cricket could create a hugely valuable connection.

The Guardian - Sport

And taking a sideways swipe at Groupon, co-founder and CTO Emilio Sanz, adds: "Until now, web technology has been used to either offer an alternative to the high street or by services such as Groupon to give retailers an over-simplified shot in the arm rather than a sustained and valuable connection with customers.

TechCrunch

They facilitate a powerful and valuable connection between consumers and merchants, meaning cards in their current form don't stand a long-term chance.

Forbes

And it was at a student party that Sonnenfeld made another valuable connection: a gangling Minnesotan called Joel Coen, who was helping another film-making tyro, Sam Raimi, edit a movie called The Evil Dead.

The Guardian - Film

You might be surprised at how quickly your fear disappears, and this "stranger" becomes a new friend, ally, or valuable connection.

Huffington Post

Hey, he might be a valuable professional connection, you never know.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When networking, focus on building genuine relationships, not just accumulating "a valuable connection". Prioritize mutual benefit and long-term engagement.

Common error

Avoid viewing connections solely as transactional opportunities. Strong professional relationships thrive on reciprocity and shared interests, not just the potential for personal gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valuable connection" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it refers to a relationship or link that is beneficial or advantageous. The adjective "valuable" modifies the noun "connection", emphasizing its importance and utility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a valuable connection" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a beneficial relationship or link. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to focus on building genuine relationships rather than viewing connections solely as transactional opportunities. Alternatives include “a beneficial relationship” or “an advantageous link”, which can add nuance to your writing. When using this phrase, remember that strong connections thrive on reciprocity and shared interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beneficial relationship

Focuses on the mutual benefit derived from the connection, highlighting reciprocity.

an advantageous link

Emphasizes the potential for gain or progress due to the connection, rather than the connection itself.

a strategic alliance

Highlights the intentional formation of a connection for a specific purpose or advantage.

a key contact

Focuses on the person providing the connection, emphasizing their importance.

a fruitful partnership

Stresses the productive and rewarding aspect of the connection, with emphasis on outcomes.

a significant network

Shifts the focus to a broader group of connections, rather than a single one.

a helpful acquaintance

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the contact, often in a less formal setting.

an instrumental association

Highlights the utility of the connection as a means to achieve a goal.

a productive synergy

Focuses on the combined effect of the connection, suggesting a greater outcome than the sum of its parts.

a potent collaboration

Highlights the intensity of the relationship, focusing on the power it creates.

FAQs

How can I effectively cultivate "a valuable connection"?

Focus on providing value first. Offer assistance, share relevant information, and show genuine interest in the other person's goals. Building trust and rapport is essential for any meaningful connection.

What are some alternatives to saying "a valuable connection"?

You can use alternatives like "a beneficial relationship", "an advantageous link", or "a strategic alliance" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a valuable connection" in formal writing?

Yes, "a valuable connection" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or professional contexts. However, be mindful of the specific tone and audience when choosing your words.

How is "a valuable connection" different from a regular acquaintance?

While an acquaintance might be a casual contact, "a valuable connection" implies a deeper, more beneficial relationship that offers mutual support, opportunities, or insights. It suggests a strategic or meaningful link.