firm ties

USAGE SUMMARY

"firm ties" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to strong connections or relationships between people, organizations, or countries. Example: "The two countries have established firm ties through years of collaboration in the fields of trade and education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Generally, performers without firm ties to a specific niche suffered the strongest backlashes, notably Ms. Morissette and Hootie and the Blowfish.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Saakashvili needs to understand that Georgia's best defense is to focus on building an economically vibrant democracy with firm ties to the West.

The New York Times

China has tried to maintain firm ties with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority while supporting Palestinian demands for statehood and occasionally chiding the Israeli government for its policies toward the Palestinians.

The New York Times

Poland is now so firmly focused on E.U. affairs, particularly over how strengthen the bloc's security and defense policy, that the country's firm ties to NATO seem to be taking second place.

The New York Times

After rightly railing against female genital mutilation in Africa, which is an indigenous cultural practice with no very firm ties to any particular religion, Hitchens lunges at male circumcision.

The New Yorker

"I told them what the song is about — which, in the greater arc of the record, is the inextricable relationship between death and love — and they came up with something that I never would have thought of but still has firm ties to my vision".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In 1998, the firm tied its browser to Windows.

The Economist

A report by Mandiant, a computer security firm, tying hundreds of attacks back to one Chinese military unit, made the issue even harder to ignore.

The New York Times

With Rangers facing Inverness in a quarter-final on Wednesdayevening, the prospect of an Old Firm tie remains very much alive.

The Guardian - Sport

The company has made headlines recently with revelations that it sold ads during the U.S. presidential campaign to a Russian firm tied to pro-Kremlin propaganda.

The Washington Post

The news about Facebook's data sharing broke just months after the revelation that Facebook exposed data on up to 87 million of its users to Cambridge Analytica, a research firm tied to Donald Trump's presidential campaign.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing international relations or business partnerships, use "firm ties" to convey a sense of stability and mutual commitment.

Common error

While "firm ties" effectively conveys strong connections, avoid repetitive use in a single piece of writing. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "strong connections" or "close relationships" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm ties" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., "establish firm ties") or following a preposition (e.g., "with firm ties"). Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "firm ties" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that denotes strong, reliable relationships between entities. While Ludwig AI confirms its proper use, it's important to be mindful of context and avoid overuse. Alternative phrases like "strong connections" or "close relationships" can add variety to your writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academia, and formal business contexts, reflecting its utility in describing established and mutually beneficial connections. The phrase's function is to underscore a sense of stability and commitment in the relationships it describes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong connections

Emphasizes the strength of the relationship, similar to "firm ties".

close relationships

Focuses on the intimacy and depth of the connection.

established links

Highlights the creation and maintenance of connections.

solid bonds

Suggests a resilient and unwavering connection.

deep-rooted affiliations

Implies a long-standing and fundamental association.

enduring alliances

Highlights the lasting nature of the partnerships.

robust relationships

Underscores the health and vigor of the connections.

stable connections

Stresses the reliability and consistency of the links.

secure bonds

Focuses on the safety and protection provided by the relationship.

tight-knit relations

Emphasizes the closeness and interconnectedness of the parties.

FAQs

How can I use "firm ties" in a sentence?

You can use "firm ties" to describe strong relationships between countries, organizations, or individuals. For example, "The two nations have established firm ties through collaborative research projects".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "firm ties"?

Alternatives include "strong connections", "close relationships", or "solid bonds" depending on the specific context you're describing.

Is it appropriate to use "firm ties" in formal writing?

Yes, "firm ties" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing international relations, business partnerships, or academic collaborations. It conveys a sense of established and reliable connections.

What kind of relationships does "firm ties" usually describe?

"Firm ties" typically describe relationships that are stable, reliable, and characterized by mutual commitment or benefit. These can be political, economic, social, or even personal in nature.