close relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"close relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a strong bond between two people, typically family members, friends or romantic partners. For example: "My parents have nurtured a close relationship with their neighbors for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

built a close relationship.

The New Yorker

"Close relationship?" she says.

The Guardian - Film

It has exposed the close relationship bet.

The New Yorker

"We've had a very close relationship".

The New York Times

The two soon developed a close relationship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They had a close relationship.

The New York Times

"It's a very close relationship.

The New York Times

We formed a close relationship.

Harvard Business Review

They had a very close relationship".

The New York Times - Arts

We have a good, close relationship.

The Guardian

Mother and daughter had a close relationship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships, be specific about the nature of the connection. For example, instead of just saying "they have a close relationship", elaborate on what makes it close: "They have a close relationship built on mutual respect and shared interests".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "close relationship" too generically. Instead, provide context: "a close working relationship", "a close family relationship", or "a close personal relationship". This adds clarity and depth.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close relationship" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., have, develop, maintain) or as a complement describing the nature of an association between people or things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close relationship" is a common and versatile way to describe strong connections between individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. As illustrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, the phrase appears frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While the phrase is widely understood, providing specific details about the nature of the closeness can enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "strong bond" or "intimate connection" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close ties

Highlights the strong connection and interdependence between individuals or groups.

strong bond

Focuses more on the emotional connection and strength of the relationship.

special bond

Implies a unique and irreplaceable connection.

deep connection

Highlights the profound nature of the bond.

intimate connection

Implies a deeper and more personal level of understanding and sharing.

personal connection

Emphasizes the individual and emotional nature of the relationship.

good rapport

Emphasizes mutual understanding and ease of communication.

cordial relationship

Suggests a friendly and polite interaction, but not necessarily deep intimacy.

strong alliance

Indicates a cooperative relationship, often for mutual benefit or common goals.

friendly terms

Suggests a casual and amicable relationship, without necessarily implying deep emotional connection.

FAQs

How can I describe a "close relationship" in different words?

You can use alternatives such as "strong bond", "intimate connection", or "deep connection" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to have a "close relationship" with someone?

Having a "close relationship" with someone generally means you share a strong emotional connection, trust, and frequent interaction. It implies a deep understanding and mutual support.

Is there a difference between a "close relationship" and a "friendly relationship"?

Yes, a "close relationship" implies a deeper level of intimacy, trust, and emotional support than a "friendly relationship", which is more casual and less emotionally invested.

How do you build a "close relationship" with someone?

Building a "close relationship" requires effort, including active listening, showing empathy, spending quality time together, being reliable, and sharing personal experiences.