develop relationships

USAGE SUMMARY

"develop relationships" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but generally refers to the process of building or nurturing connections with others. Example: As a sales representative, it is important to develop relationships with potential clients in order to gain their trust and ultimately close deals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fundraising is called development because we are trying to develop relationships with donors.

Huffington Post

You do develop relationships".

The New York Times

"You develop relationships, and you create credibility".

The New York Times - Sports

Some workers instead develop relationships with humanitarians from other organisations.

The Guardian

Duquette did not give himself a chance to develop relationships.

The New York Times - Sports

Which doesn't mean that people don't develop relationships.

The New York Times

Mistake 4. Failing to develop relationships with your multipliers.

Harvard Business Review

Be proactive, ask questions, and develop relationships with them.

Stanford University

And it's an area where there's considerable opportunity to communicate with and develop relationships with clients".

The New York Times

As a TA, smaller groups develop relationships far quicker, so too did playground and lunchtime duties.

The Guardian

But it takes time to meet clients, obtain referrals and develop relationships with landlords.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "develop relationships" in professional contexts, focus on mutual benefit and long-term value.

Common error

Avoid simply collecting contacts; prioritize building genuine connections based on shared interests or values to foster meaningful and lasting relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "develop relationships" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It acts as the predicate in a sentence, describing an action taken to form or improve connections between individuals or entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "develop relationships" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the act of building connections with others. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. It's essential to focus on genuine connections and mutual benefit rather than superficial networking when using this phrase. Alternatives like "cultivate relationships" or "build rapport" can add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate relationships

Emphasizes the effort and care required to grow and strengthen relationships.

build rapport

Focuses on creating a harmonious and understanding connection.

foster connections

Highlights the act of nurturing and promoting relationships.

forge alliances

Implies creating a strong bond, often for a specific purpose or goal.

nurture partnerships

Suggests actively caring for and maintaining collaborative relationships.

grow networks

Focuses on expanding a web of contacts and relationships.

establish links

Highlights the creation of new connections or relationships.

strengthen ties

Emphasizes reinforcing existing relationships.

improve communication

Focuses on enhancing the quality of interactions within relationships.

connect with people

A more general term for forming relationships.

FAQs

How can I use "develop relationships" in a sentence?

You can use "develop relationships" to describe the process of building connections with others, such as "It's important to "develop relationships" with your colleagues to foster a positive work environment."

What are some alternatives to "develop relationships"?

Alternatives include "cultivate relationships", "build rapport", or "foster connections", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of forming connections.

Is it better to "develop relationships" or "maintain relationships"?

Both are important; "develop relationships" focuses on initial formation, while maintaining relationships emphasizes ongoing effort and care to keep those connections strong. They represent different stages in the relationship lifecycle.

What's the difference between "develop relationships" and "network"?

"Develop relationships" implies a deeper, more personal connection than "network", which often refers to a broader, more transactional exchange of contacts. Networking can be a starting point to "develop relationships".