close ties with

USAGE SUMMARY

"close ties with" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship between two people or entities, such as a close friendship, strong alliance, shared interests, etc. For example, "The two nations maintained close ties with each other for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They retain close ties with the island.

The Economist

Kazakhstan has close ties with Moscow.

The New York Times

The union has close ties with management.

The New York Times

Those with close ties with the government?

The Economist

Mr. Monserrate had close ties with the group.

The New York Times

Ratner referred to Packer's increasingly close ties with Israel.

The Guardian

He has long experience of, and close ties with, Islam.

The Economist

But Israel's stance also underlines its close ties with Russia.

The Economist

But it also has close ties with the militias.

The Economist

This would include close ties with Bangladesh, for instance.

The New York Times

He built close ties with conservative think-tanks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations, "close ties with" often suggests mutual benefits, like economic cooperation or security alliances. Context matters.

Common error

Avoid using "close ties with" to describe superficial or recently formed relationships. This phrase implies a history of mutual support and understanding. For example, it's misleading to say "The company has close ties with the new client" after just one meeting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close ties with" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating a strong connection or relationship between two entities. Ludwig examples demonstrate its common usage in various contexts, from international relations to personal connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close ties with" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong and lasting relationship between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When writing, remember that it is most appropriate for sustained and meaningful connections, not casual interactions, and consider alternative phrases such as "strong bonds with" or "good rapport with" to best convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong bonds with

Emphasizes emotional connection and resilience over duration or institutional elements.

relationship with

A general term, that can encompass various levels of intimacy and commitment.

cordial relations with

Focuses on politeness and mutual respect rather than deep connections or obligations.

fraternal bonds with

Conveys a sense of brotherhood and mutual support in a formal or informal context.

good rapport with

Highlights the ease of communication and mutual understanding in the relationship.

affinity for

Implies a natural liking or attraction, suggesting less formal or obligatory connection.

alliance with

Suggests a formal agreement for mutual benefit, often in political or military contexts.

partnership with

Focuses on collaboration and shared goals, often in business or project-oriented settings.

association with

Refers to a general connection or involvement, less intimate than "close ties".

connection to

Describes a general link and does not require the same degree of reciprocal interaction.

FAQs

How to use "close ties with" in a sentence?

Use "close ties with" to indicate a strong and enduring relationship between individuals, organizations, or countries. For example: "The organization maintains "close ties with" several local charities."

What can I say instead of "close ties with"?

You can use alternatives such as "strong bonds with", "good rapport with", or "cordial relations with" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "close ties with" or "close ties to"?

"Close ties with" is generally preferred when referring to a relationship between two entities. "Close ties to" can be used when indicating a connection or association, but "close ties with" is more common in describing mutual relationships.

What's the difference between "close ties with" and "a casual acquaintance with"?

"Close ties with" implies a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial relationship. In contrast, "a casual acquaintance with" suggests a superficial and infrequent interaction, lacking the depth and commitment of "close ties with".