developing a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing a relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of building or nurturing a connection with someone, whether in personal or professional contexts. Example: "Over the past few months, we have been developing a relationship that has greatly enhanced our collaboration on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, it's about developing a relationship.

The Guardian

But as for developing a relationship, there was no inkling.

The New York Times

Developing a relationship with your guidance counselor is really important.

The New York Times

Rowan and her crush are developing a relationship, and Kelly has also started dating someone new.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"To permanently and forever deprive Daniel Malakov of ever developing a relationship with his little girl".

The New York Times

For Hollis, it's a game all about developing a relationship between the two "chosen" players.

The Guardian - Tech

Finding and developing a relationship with a customer usually requires a big investment.

Harvard Business Review

FEP is developing a relationship with the Franciscans International in Geneva, a non-governmental organization (NGO).

Yale University

Make the primary goal of the interactions developing a relationship, rather than getting a job.

Columbia University

To Mr. Benno, "This is not about currying favor, it is about developing a relationship.

The New York Times

Mr. Hardwick acknowledged the potential pitfalls of developing a relationship with a major player like Legendary.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal or professional interactions, consider using "developing a relationship" to emphasize the ongoing process of building a connection, rather than a one-time event.

Common error

Avoid using "developing a relationship" to describe established or unchanging connections. This phrase implies active effort and growth, so it's more suitable for situations where the relationship is evolving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing a relationship" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an ongoing action or process. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its versatility in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "developing a relationship" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the process of building and nurturing connections. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific settings. Alternatives such as "cultivating a relationship" or "fostering a connection" can provide nuanced variations. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects an active and evolving dynamic, rather than a static one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivating a relationship

Focuses on the nurturing aspect, suggesting a deliberate effort to grow the relationship.

fostering a connection

Emphasizes the act of encouraging and supporting the growth of a bond.

building rapport

Highlights establishing a harmonious understanding and trust.

nurturing a bond

Suggests caring for and tending to an existing connection to strengthen it.

establishing a connection

Focuses on the initial act of creating a link between individuals.

forming a partnership

Implies a more formal and collaborative connection, often in a business context.

strengthening ties

Emphasizes making existing connections stronger and more resilient.

growing closer

Indicates a gradual increase in intimacy and understanding.

deepening understanding

Focuses on increasing mutual comprehension and empathy within the relationship.

improving communication

Highlights enhancing the exchange of information and ideas within the relationship.

FAQs

What does "developing a relationship" mean?

The phrase "developing a relationship" refers to the ongoing process of building, nurturing, and strengthening a connection with someone, whether in a personal or professional context. It implies active effort and growth over time.

What can I say instead of "developing a relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "cultivating a relationship", "fostering a connection", or "building rapport" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

How is "developing a relationship" different from "maintaining a relationship"?

"Developing a relationship" focuses on the initial stages and ongoing growth of a connection, while "maintaining a relationship" emphasizes sustaining and preserving an already established bond. The former implies active construction, while the latter focuses on upkeep.

Is "developing a relationship" formal or informal?

The phrase "developing a relationship" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation than on the phrase itself. It is commonly used in both professional settings and personal discussions.