close alliance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close alliance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong partnership or relationship between two or more parties, often in a political, military, or business context. Example: "The two countries formed a close alliance to address common security threats in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Behind the embassy shift, a close alliance.

The New York Times

Its bedrock has been Japan's close alliance with America.

The Economist

And she has emphasized her close alliance with Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

Under the previous president, Sri Lanka had formed a close alliance with India's geopolitical rival, China.

The Economist

The close alliance with the throne coincides with rising military power in Thailand.

The New York Times

Second, missionary activity became possible because of a close alliance with commercial interests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A close alliance he had formed with Elliman's then-reigning superbroker, Dolly Lenz, devolved into acrimony.

The New York Times

He also had built a close alliance with the German bishops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ouster brought him into close alliance with another revolutionary personality, Rosa Luxemburg.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even in Britain and America, public attitudes are mixed towards a close alliance.

The Economist

Many Pakistanis blame the rising violence in the country on Musharraf's previous close alliance with Washington.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the relationship between entities, ensure that "close alliance" accurately reflects the depth and nature of their cooperation. Use this phrase to highlight a strong, multifaceted connection rather than a superficial agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "close alliance" to describe relationships that are merely cooperative or transactional. Reserve it for situations where there is significant mutual investment and commitment. Otherwise, consider using less emphatic terms such as "working relationship" or "partnership".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close alliance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular kind of relationship between entities. As demonstrated by examples, Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close alliance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase denoting a strong, multifaceted relationship. Ludwig AI confirms that its function is to emphasize commitment and cooperation, primarily within news, encyclopedic, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "strong partnership" or "strategic alliance" exist, "close alliance" specifically implies a deep and enduring bond. It's important to use this phrase accurately, reserving it for relationships characterized by substantial mutual investment, as overstating the strength of a relationship can be a common error. The phrase is suitable for both neutral and formal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong partnership

Emphasizes the cooperative and collaborative nature of the relationship.

close collaboration

Focuses on the joint effort and cooperative work involved.

tight bond

Highlights the emotional connection and unity between the parties.

firm association

Suggests a more formal and structured relationship.

close ties

A more general term referring to any kind of close relationship.

strategic alliance

Implies a relationship formed for specific, often long-term, goals.

united front

Emphasizes the solidarity and unified stance against a common challenge.

intimate association

Suggests a deep and personal connection, possibly beyond professional or political ties.

deep-seated connection

Highlights the historical or fundamental nature of the bond.

symbiotic relationship

Implies a mutually beneficial and interdependent partnership.

FAQs

How can I use "close alliance" in a sentence?

You can use "close alliance" to describe a strong and enduring partnership between two or more entities. For example, "The two nations formed a close alliance to counter regional threats."

What are some alternatives to "close alliance"?

You can use alternatives like "strong partnership", "tight bond", or "strategic alliance" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "close alliance" and "strategic alliance"?

While both terms describe partnerships, "close alliance" emphasizes the depth and multifaceted nature of the relationship, while "strategic alliance" suggests a partnership formed for specific, often long-term, goals.

When is it appropriate to use "close alliance" instead of "partnership"?

"Close alliance" is suitable when the relationship is particularly strong and involves a high degree of mutual trust and cooperation. "Partnership" is a more general term and can apply to a wider range of relationships, including more formal or transactional ones.