building a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "building a relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of developing a connection or bond with someone, whether in personal or professional contexts. Example: "In order to succeed in business, it's essential to focus on building a relationship with your clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am building a relationship," she said.

The New Yorker

He made a priority of building a relationship with ESPN.

The New York Times - Sports

It's part of building a relationship with a publisher".

The New York Times

This is not reactive, it's about building a relationship.

The Guardian

Send your product to bloggers and ask for feedback to start building a relationship.

The New York Times

"You have to be a little different" in "building a relationship with this highway," she says.

The New York Times

As soon as training camp began, he and Manning began the task of building a relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

Glasgow attended some of Kerley's baseball games, building a relationship with his family.

The New York Times - Sports

Building a relationship is an essential part of healing emotional wounds.

The Guardian

The Secret Service also set to work building a relationship with local authorities.

The New York Times

Remember, it's about building a relationship that should last for years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "building a relationship", consider specifying the type of relationship (e.g., professional, personal, therapeutic) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "building a relationship" in situations that are purely transactional or one-time interactions. Focus on terms like "conducting business" or "completing a transaction" instead to accurately reflect the nature of the exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "building a relationship" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and commonly used. It describes the process of establishing and developing a connection between individuals or entities, serving as a subject, object, or complement within the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "building a relationship" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes the process of developing connections. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and business, indicating its broad applicability. While versatile, it's essential to consider the specific context and avoid overuse in purely transactional situations. Alternative phrases like "establishing rapport" or "cultivating a relationship" can offer more nuanced expressions. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivating a relationship

Emphasizes the nurturing and ongoing effort required to develop a relationship.

fostering a connection

Highlights the act of promoting and encouraging a bond or link between parties.

establishing rapport

Focuses on creating a harmonious and understanding connection, particularly in professional settings.

developing a bond

Stresses the emotional connection and sense of unity that grows over time.

strengthening ties

Highlights the reinforcement and improvement of existing connections.

nurturing a partnership

Specifically refers to the care and attention given to a collaborative relationship.

cementing a friendship

Implies making a friendship more solid and permanent.

forging a link

Suggests creating a new connection, often in a professional or strategic context.

growing closer

Describes the process of becoming more intimate and connected over time.

enhancing communication

Focuses on improving the quality and effectiveness of interactions.

FAQs

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

You can use "building a relationship" to describe the process of developing a connection with someone. For example, "Building a relationship with clients is essential for business success."

What are some alternatives to "building a relationship"?

Alternatives include "establishing rapport", "fostering a connection", or "cultivating a relationship", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to focus on "building a relationship"?

No, "building a relationship" is most relevant in contexts where long-term connections and mutual trust are important. In purely transactional situations, other approaches may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "building a relationship" and "maintaining a relationship"?

"Building a relationship" refers to the initial stages of creating a connection, while "maintaining a relationship" focuses on the ongoing efforts to keep the connection strong and healthy over time.