difficult relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

'difficult relationship' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a complicated or strained relationship between two or more people. For example, "The parent-child relationship has been a difficult one since the teenager began rebelling against their authority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two have a difficult relationship.

Independent

"We had a difficult relationship.

The New Yorker

Difficult relationship to his family.

The Guardian - Sport

"I never had a difficult relationship.

The Guardian

How do I handle a difficult relationship in my field?

Cornell University

The company has had a difficult relationship with the WGA.

The Guardian

He and his mother "had a very difficult relationship.

The Guardian

Which isn't to say they didn't have a difficult relationship.

The New Yorker

They were worsened by Shas's difficult relationship with Mr. Barak.

The New York Times

"And Nokia has had a difficult relationship with the carriers".

The New York Times

The country has always had a difficult relationship with water.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficult relationship" to introduce a complex situation. Follow it with details that explain the challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult relationship" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific examples or explanations of what makes the relationship challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'difficult' modifies the noun 'relationship'. It acts as a descriptor, identifying a specific quality of the relationship. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a strained or complicated connection, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor to inform the audience that the relationship is not harmonious. While versatile across settings, it is most frequently encountered in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "strained relationship" or "challenging relationship" to convey different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Focuses on the tension and lack of ease in the connection.

challenging relationship

Highlights the demanding and effortful nature of the connection.

complicated relationship

Emphasizes the intricate and often confusing dynamics.

troubled relationship

Suggests underlying issues and potential distress.

fractious relationship

Implies irritability and a tendency to argue or disagree.

tenuous relationship

Indicates a fragile and easily disrupted connection.

rocky relationship

Suggests instability and frequent ups and downs.

contentious relationship

Highlights the presence of frequent disputes and disagreements.

strained connection

A more general term emphasizing the tension.

problematic relationship

Suggests that the relationship presents significant issues or obstacles.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult relationship" to describe a strained or complicated connection between people or entities. For example, "They have a "difficult relationship" due to differing opinions".

What are some alternatives to "difficult relationship"?

Alternatives include "strained relationship", "challenging relationship", or "complicated relationship", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult relationship" or "challenging relationship"?

Both are correct, but "challenging relationship" might imply an opportunity for growth, while "difficult relationship" simply acknowledges the strain. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific situation you're describing.

What makes a relationship qualify as a "difficult relationship"?

A "difficult relationship" is characterized by frequent disagreements, misunderstandings, lack of trust, or an inability to communicate effectively. These elements contribute to a strained and often stressful dynamic.