forge a relationship with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forge a relationship with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of developing or establishing a connection or bond with someone, often in a personal or professional context. Example: "In order to succeed in this business, it is essential to forge a relationship with your clients based on trust and mutual respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Petraeus will try to forge a relationship with him," one senior Obama administration official said.

The New York Times

And Christie's is clearly trying to forge a relationship with the government".

The New York Times - Arts

None of this helps me to make forge a relationship with my inner molecules that I can feel.

The Guardian

One thing Donnelly had not done until lately, however, is forge a relationship with a dealer or art gallery.

The New York Times - Magazine

I've been yearning for a handheld experience, and so I was eager to forge a relationship with the thing.

The New York Times - Style

Nick, the top-rated network for children, has long wanted to forge a relationship with Paramount, but internal squabbling delayed collaborations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Forging a relationship with an applicant early on is crucial, Lucey explains.

The Guardian

In reality, the Futurists never forged a relationship with industry and design in Italy, which is curious.

The New Yorker

Cliff Jones, a star wing for Tottenham in the 1960s, has forged a relationship with Bale because of their shared backgrounds.

The New York Times - Sports

For Zelda, far more important than forging a relationship with the daughter she gave up is helping a young colleague live the most fulfilling life she can.

The New York Times

For years, he's been the Hollywood envoy for the Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, after forging a relationship with him in the early 1980s.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forge a relationship with", consider the specific type of relationship you're aiming to create (e.g., professional, personal, strategic) and adjust your language accordingly. The term is suitable for various contexts but ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "forge a relationship with" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler alternatives like "build" or "develop" might be more appropriate. Overusing "forge" can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forge a relationship with" functions as a verb phrase, where "forge" is the verb indicating the action of creating or establishing, and "a relationship" serves as the object. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forge a relationship with" is a versatile expression used to describe the active creation or establishment of a connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. While slightly formal, its applicability spans from professional partnerships to personal bonds. When using the phrase, consider the intended tone and context to ensure it aligns with your message, and be mindful of avoiding overuse in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "build a relationship with" or "develop a connection with" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. With consistent usage across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase remains a reliable choice for expressing the formation of meaningful relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate a relationship with

Emphasizes nurturing and developing the relationship over time.

build a connection with

Focuses on establishing a connection, which can be less formal than a "relationship".

establish a rapport with

Highlights creating a harmonious and understanding connection.

develop a partnership with

Stresses forming a collaborative relationship for mutual benefit.

foster a connection with

Implies active encouragement and support in forming the connection.

initiate a friendship with

Highlights starting a bond of friendship.

nurture a bond with

Emphasizes caring for and strengthening an existing connection.

form a connection with

Focuses on the initial act of creating a connection.

engender a relationship with

Suggests generating or causing a relationship to come into existence.

cement a relationship with

Stresses making a relationship strong and lasting.

FAQs

What does "forge a relationship with" mean?

The phrase "forge a relationship with" means to create or establish a connection or bond with someone, often through effort and dedication. It implies actively working to build a strong and lasting relationship.

How can I use "forge a relationship with" in a sentence?

You can use "forge a relationship with" to describe establishing connections in professional, personal, or strategic contexts. For example: "The company aimed to "forge a relationship with" local suppliers to improve their supply chain."

What are some alternatives to "forge a relationship with"?

Some alternatives to "forge a relationship with" include "build a relationship with", "develop a relationship with", "establish a rapport with", or "cultivate a relationship with". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "forge a relationship with" formal or informal?

"Forge a relationship with" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While usable in various contexts, it is more common in professional or news-related content. In very informal settings, phrases like "connect with" might be more suitable.