contentious relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contentious relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship characterized by disagreement, conflict, or tension between parties. Example: "Their contentious relationship often led to heated arguments during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The director describes a "playfully contentious relationship".

The New York Times

It's not a continually contentious relationship".

The New York Times - Arts

The two men have had a contentious relationship.

The New Yorker

Theirs is a cordial but often contentious relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Ward has had a contentious relationship with the firefighters' union.

The New York Times

But Mr. Schwartz has also had an often contentious relationship with the Legislature.

The New York Times

Facebook, which has had a contentious relationship with Apple, is still not integrated into iOS.

The New York Times

Perhaps no other debate — about who invented the bicycle kick — exemplifies the contentious relationship.

The New York Times

The Philippines has had a sometimes contentious relationship with the United States military.

The New York Times

But they have also exacerbated a sometimes contentious relationship with law enforcement officers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The question of the payments has become a new wrinkle in the often-contentious relationship between town and gown.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship as "contentious", provide specific examples of the disagreements or conflicts that characterize it to give the reader a clearer understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "contentious relationship" when the disagreements are minor or infrequent. Ensure the term accurately reflects a significant level of discord and tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contentious relationship" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It serves to characterize the nature of a bond or connection between entities, indicating that it is marked by disagreement and conflict. This aligns with the examples provided by Ludwig AI, where various relationships are described using this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contentious relationship" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe relationships marked by disagreement and conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral to professional tone, effectively conveying the troubled dynamics between involved parties. When using "contentious relationship", ensure that the described conflict is significant and that the context aligns with the professional or neutral register. Alternatives like "strained relationship" or "adversarial relationship" can provide nuance depending on the specific nature of the conflict.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Highlights the tension and difficulty within the relationship.

conflictual relationship

Emphasizes the presence of ongoing conflict within the relationship.

adversarial relationship

Stresses the opposition and hostility between the parties involved.

polemical relationship

Focuses on the argumentative and often controversial nature of the relationship.

difficult relationship

Indicates the presence of challenges and hardships in maintaining the relationship.

divisive relationship

Highlights the separation and disagreement caused by the relationship.

turbulent relationship

Emphasizes the instability and unrest within the relationship.

fractious relationship

Focuses on the irritability and tendency to argue within the relationship.

disputed relationship

Implies that the nature or terms of the relationship are under debate.

uneasy alliance

Suggests a partnership marked by discomfort and a lack of trust.

FAQs

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

You can use "contentious relationship" to describe any relationship marked by disagreement and conflict. For example: "The two countries have a "contentious relationship" due to ongoing border disputes."

What are some alternatives to saying "contentious relationship"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "strained relationship", "difficult relationship", or "adversarial relationship".

Is it more appropriate to describe an interaction or a relationship as contentious?

"Contentious" can describe both interactions and relationships. A "contentious debate" refers to a single, highly argued interaction, while a "contentious relationship" describes an ongoing pattern of conflict.

What makes a relationship qualify as a "contentious relationship"?

A relationship is typically described as "contentious" when there are frequent and significant disagreements, disputes, or conflicts between the parties involved, leading to ongoing tension and difficulty.