close ties

USAGE SUMMARY

'close ties' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe a close relationship between two people, groups, or nations. For example, "The two families have close ties that stretch back many generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They retain close ties with the island.

The Economist

But close ties bring dependence and obligation.

The Economist

Kazakhstan has close ties with Moscow.

The New York Times

The two countries have retained close ties.

The Economist

The union has close ties with management.

The New York Times

Those with close ties with the government?

The Economist

It reflected decades of close ties.

The New York Times

Still, the companies retain close ties.

The New York Times

The company has close ties to Reliant.

The New York Times

The Mariners have close ties to Japan.

The New York Times

Trudeau has close ties to Keystone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about international relations, use "close ties" to emphasize historical connections and ongoing cooperation. This shows a deeper level of understanding than merely stating "relations".

Common error

While "close ties" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "strong bonds" or "deep affiliations" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close ties" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a relationship characterized by strong connections or affiliations between entities, whether they are individuals, groups, or nations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close ties" is a common and correct way to describe strong relationships between individuals, groups, or nations. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, consider using synonyms like ""strong bonds"" or ""deep affiliations"" to avoid repetition. Remember that "close ties" emphasizes a positive and strong connection, often highlighting the benefits and importance of maintaining such relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close relationships

More explicit but semantically identical and interchangeable with QUERY.

tight connections

Emphasizes strong and secured relationship between two parts.

strong bonds

Emphasizes emotional and social connections more than formal agreements.

strong relationships

A more general term that can apply to various contexts, including personal and professional.

strong links

Highlights connections that provide support or resources.

intimate connections

Suggests a deep, personal, and emotional bond.

friendly relations

Highlights an amicable and cooperative association.

cordial relations

Focuses on politeness and good manners in a formal context.

deep affiliations

Signals an inherent or intrinsic link.

established associations

Focuses on long-term or official links.

FAQs

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

"Close ties" describes a strong relationship. For instance, "The two countries maintain "close ties" through trade agreements."

What's a good alternative to "close ties"?

Alternatives include "strong bonds", "strong relationships", or "deep affiliations", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "close ties" or "strong ties"?

Both "close ties" and "strong ties" are correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Close ties" may suggest intimacy, while strong ties emphasize resilience.

What does it mean when someone says two countries have "close ties"?

It typically means the two countries have a strong, positive relationship, involving frequent cooperation, mutual support, and shared interests. This could manifest in trade, diplomacy, or cultural exchange.