establish rapport

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish rapport" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to mean developing a good relationship with someone, usually for business or professional purposes. For example, "Before the meeting, the sales representative made an effort to establish rapport with the customer".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other lawyers said they seek jurors with whom they can establish rapport.

The New York Times

But other times I steal it back; that's the quickest way to establish rapport with pickpockets.

The New York Times

Volunteers establish rapport, define the problems, and assess the risk of self-harm.

The New Yorker

Their complaints focused on her failure to establish rapport with people or even notice their reactions.

Harvard Business Review

"Perhaps we can figure it out together?" I suggested, feebly trying to establish rapport.

Harvard University

It is important to try to establish rapport with your interviewer.

Columbia University

It's how I naturally relate, and carefully joking with a frightened patient is a powerful way to establish rapport.

The New York Times - Health

Indeed, today's events turned as much as anything else on the leaders' ability to establish rapport with each other.

The New York Times

Writers rely on it to establish rapport with readers, and teachers with students ("as we shall see").

The New York Times - Magazine

Executives like to size up their partners, rivals and clients face to face -- to read body language, probe for strengths and weaknesses, and establish rapport.

The New York Times

When a psychotic man, naked and hallucinating, turns violent, Gallagher strips off all his clothes to establish rapport with the man and calms him down.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In intercultural communication, research cultural norms beforehand to ensure your attempts to "establish rapport" are appropriate and well-received.

Common error

Avoid rushing the process of trying to "establish rapport". Forcing familiarity can come across as insincere and damage the potential for a genuine connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish rapport" functions as a verb phrase, typically used transitively. It describes the action of creating a harmonious relationship or connection with someone. As noted by Ludwig, this is commonly used in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish rapport" is a very common and grammatically correct English expression used to describe the process of building a positive, harmonious relationship with someone. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in professional, academic, and scientific settings. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like "build a connection", "foster a relationship", or "develop understanding", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to prioritize sincerity and avoid forcing familiarity when trying to "establish rapport". Prioritize active listening to demonstrate genuine interest in the other person's perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a working relationship

This alternative focuses specifically on building an effective professional dynamic, rather than general social connection.

connect on a personal level

This highlights the importance of making the interaction less formal and more relatable to individual traits.

build a connection

This alternative is more general, focusing on creating a link rather than a harmonious relationship.

foster a relationship

This alternative emphasizes the nurturing and development of a connection over time.

develop understanding

This focuses on mutual comprehension as the foundation for a good relationship.

cultivate trust

This emphasizes the development of reliability and confidence between individuals.

create common ground

This alternative highlights finding shared interests or beliefs to connect with someone.

form a bond

This suggests a stronger, more emotional connection than simply establishing rapport.

win someone over

This implies persuading someone to like or agree with you, which is more directional than establishing rapport.

ingratiate oneself

This suggests trying to gain favor, which can be seen as less genuine than establishing rapport.

FAQs

How can I "establish rapport" quickly in a professional setting?

Start by finding common interests or shared experiences. Asking open-ended questions and actively listening to the responses can also help "build a connection" quickly.

What are some nonverbal ways to "establish rapport"?

Maintain eye contact, mirror body language subtly, and use a warm and genuine smile. These nonverbal cues can help create a sense of trust and "develop understanding".

What's the difference between "establishing rapport" and being manipulative?

"Establishing rapport" involves genuine connection and mutual respect, while manipulation involves exploiting someone for personal gain. The key difference lies in the intent and the authenticity of the interaction. If your goal is to "cultivate trust", you are not being manipulative.

In what situations is it particularly important to "establish rapport"?

It's important in negotiations, sales, customer service, and any situation where you need to build trust and cooperation. It is especially important to "establish a working relationship" when working with a team for a long time.