form a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"form a relationship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when two or more people or entities become connected. For example, "The two companies decided to form a relationship in order to increase their mutual profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You get to form a relationship," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

On calls like that, you form a relationship.

The Guardian

He hopes to form a relationship with the donor's family, which has chosen to remain anonymous.

The New Yorker

"When somebody's in the chair, you form a relationship with the client," he said.

The New York Times

So someday they can form a relationship with another person without a panic of being alone".

The Guardian - Tech

This, apparently, is when the real sparks flew, and they started to form a relationship.

The Washington Post

Before negotiations begin, form a relationship with your counterpart by spending time together and sharing information.

Harvard University

But Seaver said he had yet to form a relationship with the 24-year-old Harvey.

The New York Times - Sports

She might form a relationship with a client and sex would follow naturally.

The Economist

Ford wants to form a relationship with these younger buyers now and grow them up into our various brands".

The New York Times - Magazine

He was not trying to get her to behave as such; he simply wanted to form a relationship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "form a relationship", prioritize active listening and genuine engagement to build trust and mutual understanding. This sets a strong foundation for lasting connections.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on what you can gain from the relationship. Ensure there's a balance of give and take to prevent the connection from feeling transactional and unsustainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "form a relationship" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of creating a connection or bond between individuals or entities. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the initiation of a relationship. Examples include "form a relationship with the donor's family" or "form a relationship with the client."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "form a relationship" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of creating a connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academia. It emphasizes the initiation of a bond, often with the intention of fostering understanding or collaboration. While versatile, it's essential to focus on reciprocity to ensure the connection feels genuine. Alternatives like "establish a connection" or "build rapport" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a connection

Focuses on creating a link or bond, emphasizing the initial stage.

build rapport

Highlights the development of mutual understanding and trust.

cultivate a bond

Implies nurturing and developing a close connection over time.

develop a partnership

Emphasizes a collaborative and often formal connection.

forge a link

Suggests creating a strong and lasting connection.

foster a connection

Implies promoting and encouraging the growth of a relationship.

establish ties

Focuses on creating links, often between groups or organizations.

create understanding

Highlights the development of mutual comprehension and empathy.

initiate contact

Focuses on the beginning of a relationship or interaction.

grow closer

Describes the process of a relationship becoming more intimate and connected.

FAQs

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

You can use "form a relationship" to describe the act of establishing a connection with someone, such as "It's important to "form a relationship" with your colleagues to improve teamwork".

What are some alternatives to "form a relationship"?

Some alternatives to "form a relationship" include "establish a connection", "build rapport", or "develop a partnership", depending on the context.

Is it better to "form a relationship" or "build a relationship"?

"Form a relationship" emphasizes the initial act of creating a connection, while "build a relationship" suggests a more gradual process of strengthening an existing connection. Both are valid, but the choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "form a relationship" and "maintain a relationship"?

"Form a relationship" refers to the initial establishment of a connection, whereas "maintain a relationship" refers to the ongoing effort required to keep that connection strong and healthy over time.