develop a relationship with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "develop a relationship with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of building connections or bonds with someone, whether in personal or professional contexts. Example: "It is important to develop a relationship with your clients to understand their needs better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Little by little, we develop a relationship with them.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Our priority is to develop a relationship with users.

The Guardian

"However, I think it is an opportunity to develop a relationship with another company".

The New York Times - Arts

Have a group meeting, say hello and start to develop a relationship with each volunteer.

The Guardian

The Guardian will have to develop a relationship with its readers to sustain itself".

The Guardian

"To develop a relationship with Prada would be nice," Matveyev said wistfully.

The New Yorker

"Gore has one of those personalities you have to develop a relationship with".

The New York Times

"We need to develop a relationship with our members based on trust".

The New York Times

Slowly she begins to develop a relationship with Moses, one of their black servants.

The Guardian - Books

"You have a very short time to develop a relationship with your teammates," he said.

The New York Times

They will also have to develop a relationship with other parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "develop a relationship with" someone, actively listen and show genuine interest in their perspectives to build trust and mutual understanding.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on what you can gain from a relationship. Prioritize building genuine connections based on shared values and mutual respect for long-term success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop a relationship with" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of building or fostering a connection with someone or something. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its broad applicability across personal and professional contexts, affirming its active role in establishing connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop a relationship with" is a versatile and commonly used expression for building connections, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase applicable across neutral registers, encompassing News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. To enhance your writing, focus on authenticity and long-term goals rather than transactional gains. Consider alternatives like "cultivate a connection with" or "build rapport with" for nuanced expression. Ludwig's examples and the AI's validation reinforce the phrase's correctness and widespread utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate a connection with

Focuses on nurturing and growing a bond over time, implying a more deliberate and sustained effort.

build rapport with

Emphasizes establishing a harmonious and understanding connection, often in a professional setting.

foster a relationship with

Suggests actively encouraging and supporting the growth of a connection.

establish a connection with

Implies creating an initial link or bond.

form a bond with

Highlights creating a strong emotional link.

connect with

A more general term for establishing any kind of link or communication.

engage with

Focuses on interaction and involvement, often in a professional or public context.

network with

Specifically refers to building professional relationships for career advancement.

liaise with

Implies acting as a link between two parties, often in an official capacity.

interface with

Suggests interaction primarily through a system or interface, often in technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I "develop a relationship with" someone new?

Start by finding common interests, engaging in meaningful conversations, and consistently showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. Active listening and mutual respect are key.

What are some alternatives to "develop a relationship with"?

You can use alternatives like "cultivate a connection with", "build rapport with", or "establish a connection with" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to "develop a relationship with" everyone you meet in a professional setting?

While it's beneficial to "build rapport with" colleagues and clients, it's not always necessary to form deep relationships with everyone. Focus on professionalism, respect, and effective communication in all interactions.

What's the difference between "develop a relationship with" and "network with"?

"Develop a relationship with" implies a deeper, more personal connection, while "network with" /s/network+with often focuses on building professional contacts for career or business purposes. Networking can be a starting point for developing a relationship, but it's not the same as forming a genuine bond.