erode the relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'erode the relationship' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a deteriorating bond between two people, or two groups of people. Example sentence: The constant bickering between the two families began to erode the relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ironically, it's that level of trust that has also enabled her to (so far) avoid the malpractice insurance and torts system that has helped to erode the relationship between some patients and more traditional providers.

The New York Times

This dysfunctional, agitating approach to Sino-US negotiations and communications only continues to erode the relationship between the two countries, which has already been weakened recently as a result of US comments over internet censorship and the sale of arms to Taiwan.

The Guardian - Opinion

He and others point out that increased use of such drugs could raise the standard of what is considered "normal" performance and widen the gap between those who have access to the medications and those who don't — and even erode the relationship between struggle and the building of character.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It has eroded the relationship that you could build up with a candidate".

The New York Times - Tech

This enforced secrecy eventually eroded the relationship, only for my ex to finally break the silence after the break up.

Independent

It is quite clear that recent events at the Co-operative Group have seriously eroded the relationship between management and the elected representatives of the membership.

The Guardian - Opinion

(It is also the case, again, that the pay dispute and the fact that Abramson hired an attorney eroded the relationship).

The New Yorker

She told the summit audience how "dependency aid erodes the relationship between government and the individual," yielding a system in Africa that has evolved to where "the monies come from aid".

Huffington Post

MFTPA staff were concerned that raising the issue of genetics as a factor in the causation of podoconiosis might erode the Association's relationship with the podoconiosis community.

BMC Medical Ethics

It might increase the "psychotrauma" and emotional distress of testing itself, increase the potential for physical or emotional harm after testing (e.g. from domestic abuse), disallow individualization of testing, and erode the physician patient relationship.

BMC Medical Ethics

In order to better understand the rate at which watersheds in southern and southeastern Brazil erode, and the relationship of that erosion to climate and landscape characteristics, we made new measurements of in situ produced 10Be in river sediments and we compiled all extant measurements from this part of the country.

Geomorphology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "erode the relationship", consider the specific context and whether a more precise term like "weaken", "damage", or "destroy" might be more appropriate to convey the intended degree of impact.

Common error

Avoid using "erode the relationship" when describing situations of immediate or catastrophic damage. "Erode" implies a gradual process; for sudden collapses, use words like "destroy" or "sever".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "erode the relationship" functions as a verb phrase, where "erode" acts as the verb and "the relationship" is the direct object. It describes a process of gradual deterioration. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "erode the relationship" effectively conveys the gradual weakening of a connection between individuals or groups. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. While widely used, considering more precise alternatives like "weaken" or "undermine" can enhance clarity. Avoid using "erode" when describing sudden or catastrophic events. In essence, understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more impactful and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Weaken the relationship

Similar to "erode the relationship" but with less implication of slow, gradual damage.

Disturb the relationship

Changes disturb for erode, suggesting a disruption rather than gradual damage.

Disrupt the relationship

Changes disrupt for erode, implying a more sudden and forceful interruption.

Destroy the relationship

Emphasizes a complete end, unlike erode which implies a gradual decline.

Reduce the relationship

Focuses on diminishing the intensity or closeness.

Diminish the relationship

Similar to reduce, but suggests a lessening of importance or value.

Affect the relationship

A more general term, simply indicating an impact without specifying damage.

Dilute the relationship

Suggests weakening through introduction of something else.

Endanger the relationship

Highlights the risk of harm rather than actual damage.

Jeopardize the relationship

Similar to endanger, focusing on potential negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "erode the relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "erode the relationship" to describe how trust between two parties slowly diminishes over time. For example, "Constant criticism can slowly erode the relationship between a manager and their employees."

What can I say instead of "erode the relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "weaken the relationship", "damage the relationship", or "undermine the relationship" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "erode the relationship" or "destroy the relationship"?

It depends on the context. "Erode the relationship" suggests a gradual decline, while "destroy the relationship" implies a more immediate and complete end.

What factors might "erode the relationship" between a company and its customers?

Poor customer service, unethical business practices, and a failure to meet customer expectations can all erode the relationship between a company and its customers.