associating with

USAGE SUMMARY

You can use the phrase "associating with" in written English.
For example, "She was known for associating with the rich and famous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He soon began associating with local musicians.

Independent

They are accused of "associating with terrorists".

The Guardian

Associating with anti-Semites is political death.

The New York Times - Magazine

Associating with Gómez made for national scandals.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama, by contrast, clearly enjoys associating with stars.

The New York Times

Jake, by publicly associating with him, increases his own importance.

The Guardian - Tech

She shocked her peers by associating with artists and bohemians.

The New Yorker

By associating with them I know who I am".

The New York Times - Books

And who was Yousef associating with in the Philippines?

The New Yorker

Maybe I could benefit from associating with him.

The New York Times

He was barred from associating with the athletic department for five years.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the context. In more formal settings, "collaborating with" or "partnering with" might be more appropriate, whereas "hanging out with" or "linking with" would be more casual.

Common error

Avoid using "associating with" when you want to describe a purely coincidental or unavoidable interaction. Instead, use phrases like "encountering" or "being in proximity to" to avoid suggesting a deliberate connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "associating with" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, indicating the act of connecting or involving oneself with someone or something. As Ludwig AI examples show, it describes relationships and interactions across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "associating with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe connections and relationships, often carrying implications of approval or disapproval depending on the context. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to the connotations it evokes, and alternative phrases like ""partnering with"" or ""connecting with"" might be more appropriate in certain situations. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connecting with

Suggests establishing a bond or relationship, often on a personal or emotional level.

linking with

Implies a connection or relationship, often in a less formal or structured way.

affiliating with

Implies formally connecting or joining an organization or group.

partnering with

Indicates a formal collaboration or alliance for a specific purpose.

collaborating with

Suggests working jointly with others, especially in an intellectual endeavor.

teaming up with

Indicates joining forces with someone to work together towards a common goal.

involvement with

Emphasizes participation and engagement in activities with others.

mingling with

Suggests casually interacting or socializing with a group of people.

befriending

Suggests establishing a friendly relationship with someone.

having dealings with

Indicates conducting business or engaging in transactions with someone.

FAQs

What does "associating with" mean?

The phrase "associating with" means to connect or involve oneself with someone or a group. It suggests a level of connection that can range from casual socializing to formal partnership.

What are some alternatives to "associating with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "partnering with", "connecting with", "collaborating with", or "linking with".

Is "associating with" formal or informal?

"Associating with" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's always a good idea to consider your audience and choose the most appropriate language.

Can "associating with" have negative connotations?

Yes, "associating with" can have negative connotations if the people or groups one is associating with are perceived negatively. In such cases, it might be better to use a more neutral term like "encountering" or "interacting with".