bad relations

USAGE SUMMARY

"bad relations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a deteriorated relationship between two people or groups. For example, "The countries had bad relations for many years before a peace treaty was signed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Bad relations with Middle East countries are bad for business".

The New York Times

"She had very bad relations with other museums".

The Guardian - Arts

Something tells me they know about bad relations with neighbors.

The New York Times

Its leader, Natsuo Yamaguchi, deplores Japan's bad relations with China and South Korea.

The Economist

But on Thursday night, bad relations between the police and protesters entered a new dimension.

The New York Times

No Canadian government can afford bad relations with the United States, given their interdependence as neighbors.

The New York Times

Trump then blamed the bad relations on the various investigations into his campaign's relationship with Russia.

The Washington Post

We cannot import or export anything because of bad relations with most countries and economic sanctions.

The New York Times

"We can't afford to have bad relations with China or Russia".

The New York Times

One factor driving Mr. McCain, Mr. Downey said, was his bad relations with the Republican caucus.

The New York Times

Bachelet accepted, as the two presidents attempt to heal historically bad relations between their countries.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bad relations" to discuss interpersonal conflicts, but consider the specific nuances you aim to convey. Words such as "strained", "difficult", or "hostile" may add precision.

Common error

While "bad relations" is acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "falling out" or "having issues" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad relations" serves as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object, describing the state of a relationship. The examples in Ludwig AI confirm its role in depicting negative interpersonal or international dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad relations" is a versatile phrase used to describe negative or strained relationships across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, consider more nuanced alternatives like "strained relations" or "hostile relations" for specific situations. With a neutral tone and frequent occurrence in news, media, and business writing, the phrase is a reliable option for expressing discord. Be aware of more fitting options for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relations

Emphasizes the tension and difficulty in the relationship.

poor relations

A more general term indicating a lack of positive connection.

hostile relations

Highlights animosity and antagonism between the parties.

deteriorated relations

Focuses on the decline or worsening of the relationship over time.

difficult relations

Suggests challenges and obstacles in maintaining a positive connection.

sour relations

Implies bitterness and unpleasantness in the relationship.

fractured relations

Highlights a broken or damaged relationship.

uneasy relations

Indicates a lack of comfort or trust in the relationship.

tense relations

Emphasizes the high level of stress and potential for conflict.

damaged relations

Suggests that the relationship has suffered harm or injury.

FAQs

How can I use "bad relations" in a sentence?

You can use "bad relations" to describe strained relationships between countries, organizations, or individuals. For example, "The two countries have had "bad relations" for decades due to border disputes."

What are some synonyms for "bad relations"?

Some synonyms for "bad relations" include "strained relations", "poor relations", and "hostile relations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "poor relations" or "bad relations"?

Both "poor relations" and "bad relations" are acceptable, but "bad relations" is slightly more common. "Poor relations" can sometimes imply a lack of resources or understanding, while "bad relations" directly indicates animosity or conflict.

What's the difference between "bad relations" and "strained relations"?

"Strained relations" emphasizes tension and difficulty, suggesting that the relationship is under pressure. "Bad relations" is a more general term indicating a negative or conflictual state, which might or might not involve particular tension.