developing friendship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "developing friendship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of building or nurturing a friendship over time. Example: "Through shared experiences and open communication, we are developing a friendship that I truly value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The developing friendship is delicately handled and the moviemaking is funny and exhilarating.

The Guardian - Film

And even under these threadbare circumstances, the developing friendship between the two women carries a faint but effective dramatic charge.

The New York Times

His slowly developing friendship with Lorenzo, and his relationship with a particularly troubled young patient, are explored with understated tenderness, and Mr. Manfredi is a joy to watch.

The New York Times

Instead, they took their narrative arc from the developing friendship between Dean and Sal, and their transition from youth into adulthood.

The Guardian - Film

Now imagine the driver's being caught going through the banker's briefcase and the banker shrugging it off -- it's a sign of developing friendship -- and you've got an idea of what the audience is asked to accept.

The New York Times

This smart, tough and tenderhearted comedy, written by and starring Claudia Shear, traces both the developing friendship between two West idolizers, the kind for whom swapped movie dialogue constitutes a conversation, and the career of the tenacious Mae.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

He said he still had difficulty developing friendships with most men.

The New York Times

(Studies indicate that being fat does not seem to hinder developing friendships and good relations with colleagues, she noted).

The New York Times

Beyond role models, developing friendships with peers increases the academic performance of underrepresented students who face uncertainty about belonging in a group (Walton and Cohen 2007).

International Journal of STEM Education

It was an essential accouterment to developing friendships, especially among the well-to-do.

Huffington Post

It's been around at least as long as developing friendships over milkshakes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "developing friendship" to describe a process that takes time and involves mutual effort. For example, "Their shared hobby contributed to their developing friendship."

Common error

Be careful not to use "developing friendship" when the relationship is still very new and lacks substance. It's more appropriate for relationships that have shown signs of growth and deepening.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "developing friendship" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aptly describes an ongoing process of building a friendly relationship. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing plotlines, character dynamics, and personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "developing friendship" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the process of a friendship growing stronger over time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Appearing frequently in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts, it is generally neutral in register and adaptable to various writing styles. While alternatives like "cultivating friendship" or "building a friendship" offer slightly different nuances, "developing friendship" effectively conveys the evolving nature of a bond between individuals. Remember to use this phrase when you want to describe the ongoing progress of a friendship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fostering friendship

Focuses on actively encouraging and nurturing the growth of a friendship.

cultivating friendship

Implies a more deliberate and careful approach to growing a friendship, like tending a garden.

building a friendship

Emphasizes the construction and strengthening of a friendship over time.

nurturing a friendship

Highlights the care and attention given to a friendship to help it thrive.

growing closer

Focuses on the increasing intimacy and connection in a relationship.

forging a bond

Suggests creating a strong and lasting connection between individuals.

strengthening ties

Emphasizes reinforcing existing connections and making them more resilient.

deepening connection

Highlights the increasing depth and significance of the relationship.

forming a relationship

A broader term that can apply to various types of connections, not just friendships.

establishing rapport

Focuses on creating a harmonious and understanding connection.

FAQs

How can I use "developing friendship" in a sentence?

You can use "developing friendship" to describe a relationship that is in the process of growing stronger and more meaningful. For example, "The film explores the "developing friendship" between two unlikely characters."

What's a more formal way to say "developing friendship"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "cultivating friendship" or "fostering friendship" to convey a more deliberate and active approach to building a connection.

What verbs commonly precede "developing friendship"?

Verbs like "observe", "explore", "describe", and "trace" are frequently used to introduce the concept of a "developing friendship".

Is "developing friendship" always a positive thing?

While often positive, a "developing friendship" can also present challenges or complexities, as seen in narratives where it strains other relationships.