develop connections

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop connections" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of building relationships or networks with other people, organizations, or resources. For example, "The company is looking for ways to develop connections with potential partners in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Employ enhanced knowledge of home and host culture to behave appropriately in host community and develop connections with community members.

Cornell University

He should be given the chance to develop connections that may exist between tendencies to react quickly and prevailing emphases on fast-moving technology.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many students say they are grateful for the way their research efforts help them develop connections with their peers, faculty members, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, Baker said.

Stanford University

Additionally, internships provide students with an inside view of their industry and the chance to develop connections in their professional network.

Columbia University

As these stories develop, connections emerge - so many connections, in fact, that Yellow Dog starts to look like a teasing, testing parody of a Victorian multi-plot novel - Dickens with a snarl.

The Guardian - Books

The good news first: The I.M. culture has given shy students who might ordinarily have spent four miserable years quasi-mute a chance to develop connections with classmates once deemed unapproachable.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

At Mahorn's, Wesley developed connections that helped change his nickname from Fresh Wes to World Wide Wes.

The New York Times

Early in his career, the author developed connections to get his bosses tables at the best restaurants in New York.

The New York Times

Reduced Beam Section (RBS) moment connections are newly developed connections for Special Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF).

Journal of Constructional Steel Research

Artifact building engages students in selecting and organizing concepts, representing those concepts, and developing connections among them.

Teaching Science for Understanding A Human Constructivist View

The newcomers quickly developed connections with the islands and Crete; they imported Cretan vases, and some local vases show mainland ships.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop connections" in professional contexts, specify the type of connections you aim to establish (e.g., "develop connections with industry leaders", "develop connections with local communities"). This adds clarity and demonstrates a targeted approach.

Common error

Avoid using "develop connections" without context. Simply stating that you want to "develop connections" can be vague. Instead, be specific about the purpose and intended outcome of these connections. For example, instead of "I want to develop connections", say "I want to develop connections to expand my professional network in the tech industry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop connections" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, indicating an action of building or creating relationships or links. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop connections" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies the process of building relationships or networks. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including academia, news, and science. To maximize clarity and impact, it's important to specify the type and purpose of the connections you aim to establish. While "develop connections" is generally neutral, consider using more specific terms like "cultivate networks" or "build relationships" depending on the formality and intent of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build relationships

Focuses on the creation of interpersonal bonds, often implying a more personal and emotional investment.

foster relationships

Emphasizes nurturing and promoting the growth of existing relationships.

cultivate networks

Highlights the strategic development of professional or social networks.

forge alliances

Suggests the creation of formal partnerships for mutual benefit.

establish links

Focuses on creating direct associations or pathways between entities.

expand network

Focuses on increasing the size and reach of an existing network.

grow network

Focuses on the organic increase and reach of an existing network.

form partnerships

Implies a collaborative effort between two or more parties.

make contacts

Highlights the initial act of connecting with individuals.

create synergy

Focuses on creating a relationship that will create a result that is greater than the sum of their separate effects.

FAQs

How can I use "develop connections" in a professional setting?

In professional contexts, "develop connections" is often used to describe networking and building relationships that can benefit career advancement or business opportunities. For example, you might say, "Attending industry conferences helps me "develop connections" with potential clients and partners".

What are some alternatives to "develop connections"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "build relationships", "expand network", or "foster relationships" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is "develop connections" formal or informal?

"Develop connections" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, more specific terms like "establish partnerships" or "cultivate networks" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "develop connections" and "make contacts"?

"Develop connections" implies a more ongoing and nurturing process of building relationships, while "make contacts" often refers to the initial act of meeting and exchanging information with people. Developing connections suggests a deeper level of engagement and relationship building.