build rapport with

USAGE SUMMARY

"build rapport with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to developing a positive relationship with someone. For example: "The salesperson was successful in building rapport with the customer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Simply by virtue of its being so interactive, this approach helped me build rapport with students.

University of California, Berkeley

She can also build rapport with athletes like the slugger Ken Griffey Jr., known for his reticence off the field.

The New York Times

He said it is hard to build rapport with the community if people assume the officers will soon move on, leaving Ajo and its problems behind.

The New York Times

Suzanne Galayda, an Arizona State math instructor, finds it takes longer to penetrate the wall of computer screens and build rapport with students.

The New York Times

Her ability to be non-reactive allowed her to build rapport with individuals on all sides of the debate to make economic, social and cultural rights a reality.

Columbia University

Join several groups in your career field and contribute to discussions of interest to you; you'll build rapport with other professionals.

University of California, Berkeley

Cover letter: This is an opportunity for you to build rapport with the employer and give them a further insight into you and your application.

The Guardian

Say why you're interested in the opportunity and give some examples to show your qualities as a confident, engaging teacher, who can build rapport with students.

The Guardian

"There is also a real risk that such security strategies have an adverse effect on staff efforts to build rapport with the children".

The Guardian

The issue facing David Cameron is that he both started his preparation for the G8 late and has failed to seize opportunities to build rapport with other leaders.

The Guardian

Opposing market-rate construction, by contrast, is a great way to build rapport with city council members who support restrictive zoning.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "build rapport with" someone, actively listen and show genuine interest in their perspectives. This helps create a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Common error

Avoid attempting to "build rapport with" someone too quickly or insincerely. This can come across as manipulative and damage your chances of forming a genuine connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build rapport with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of establishing a harmonious relationship with someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage. Examples show it applied in diverse contexts, such as building rapport with students, athletes, or community members.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "build rapport with" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signifies the act of establishing a positive and trusting relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, including academia, news media, and scientific research. Its purpose is to facilitate better communication and collaboration. While generally neutral in tone, being sincere and avoiding forced familiarity are crucial for effective usage. Related phrases include ""establish a connection with"" and ""cultivate a relationship with"". Therefore, understanding the nuances of "build rapport with" allows for more effective and meaningful interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a connection with

Focuses on the creation of a link or bond, slightly broader than specifically rapport.

cultivate a relationship with

Emphasizes nurturing and developing a relationship over time.

foster understanding with

Highlights the development of mutual comprehension and empathy.

develop a bond with

Focuses on creating a strong emotional connection.

create affinity with

Stresses the establishment of a feeling of closeness and understanding.

form a positive relationship with

More explicit about the nature of the relationship being established.

win someone's confidence

Highlights gaining trust as a component of building rapport.

gain someone's trust

Focuses specifically on acquiring trust from another person.

ingratiate oneself with

Implies an effort to gain favor, which is a more strategic approach.

get on well with

Suggests having a harmonious and pleasant interaction.

FAQs

How can I "build rapport with" someone effectively?

Effective strategies include active listening, finding common interests, showing empathy, and maintaining consistent and respectful communication. Remember to be genuine and avoid appearing manipulative.

What are some synonyms for "build rapport with"?

You can use alternatives such as "establish a connection with", "cultivate a relationship with", or "foster understanding with" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to "build rapport with" others?

While not always strictly necessary, building rapport can significantly improve communication, collaboration, and overall relationships, especially in professional and social settings. However, respect boundaries and avoid forcing connections.

What's the difference between "build rapport with" and "befriend"?

"Build rapport with" implies establishing a professional or functional connection based on mutual understanding and respect. "Befriend" suggests forming a personal, more intimate relationship based on shared interests and emotional connection.