distant relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"distant relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a relationship between two people (or groups of people) where the connection is weak due to distance or a lack of communication. Example sentence: After years of living apart, their distant relationship had become strained.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He always had a pretty distant relationship with his Judaism.

The Guardian

Then again, I have a distant relationship with the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

For a fan, this makes for a weirdly distant relationship.

The New Yorker

He had a far more distant relationship with his father.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before this year, Edna Kiplagat had developed a distant relationship with the marathon.

The New York Times - Sports

the aloof, pedestrian autocrat with whom I had enjoyed a civil but distant relationship?

The New Yorker

So it was quite a distant relationship, Eyre says, until she visited him last year.

The Guardian - Music

For the most part, Clinton and Obama had a cordial but somewhat distant relationship.

The Guardian

He made fun of his sometimes distant relationship with the English language.

The New York Times

Cuomo has a tense and distant relationship with the Albany press corps.

The New Yorker

Phylogenetic analysis indicates a potential new species with distant relationship to Tupaia and Tibrogargan virus.

Virus Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "distant relationship", be specific about the cause, such as geographical distance, lack of communication, or emotional disconnect.

Common error

Avoid using "distant relationship" to describe a relationship that was never close to begin with. This phrase implies a prior connection that has weakened.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distant relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing the state of a connection, like a relationship with a father or a political figure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distant relationship" is a commonly used phrase that accurately describes a connection characterized by a lack of closeness or frequent interaction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, but also appears in scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to specify the factors contributing to the distance, such as geographical separation, infrequent communication, or emotional disconnect. While alternatives such as "estranged connection" or "strained ties" exist, the core meaning of "distant relationship" remains consistent across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estranged connection

Highlights the separation and lack of closeness.

strained ties

Focuses on the tension and difficulty within the relationship.

remote interaction

Emphasizes the infrequency and lack of personal touch.

tenuous bond

Emphasizes the fragility and weakness of the connection.

detached affiliation

Highlights the lack of emotional involvement.

loose association

Implies a casual and non-binding connection.

cool rapport

Underscores the lack of warmth and intimacy.

slight contact

Indicates minimal communication or connection.

formal acquaintance

Suggests a polite but impersonal connection.

superficial understanding

Suggests a lack of deep connection or empathy.

FAQs

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

You can use "distant relationship" to describe a connection that has weakened over time due to lack of communication or physical distance. For example: "After years of living apart, they developed a "distant relationship"."

What's a good alternative to "distant relationship"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "estranged connection", "strained ties", or "loose association" as alternatives to "distant relationship".

Is it appropriate to use "distant relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "distant relationship" is suitable for both formal and informal writing contexts. Its meaning is clear and widely understood.

What factors contribute to a "distant relationship"?

Common factors include physical distance, infrequent communication, unresolved conflicts, and differing priorities.