foster a relationship with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foster a relationship with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the development or nurturing of a connection or bond with someone or something. Example: "Our goal is to foster a relationship with our clients to better understand their needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"You've got to foster a relationship with your readers, and that's what we've tried to do," Rubbo says.

The Guardian - Books

Fullilove said Australia should not "turn away from our ally", but there were many opportunities to continue to foster a relationship with China.

The Guardian

With Maurice Greene, Tim Montgomery and now with Dwain Chambers [Britain's rising star], if that rivalry could ever materialise, it would be great for the sport.' Johnson will be watching their efforts from the gantry as he continues to foster a relationship with the BBC as a pundit.

The Guardian - Sport

Just as the iTunes Music Store is intended to foster a relationship with the Apple iPod, the Samsung Napster YP-910GS, a digital jukebox with a 20-gigabyte hard drive, is meant to work closely with the reborn Napster 2.0 music service.

The New York Times - Tech

Senior officials said that the administration believes it can help behind the scenes to encourage General Musharraf to keep up his efforts to promote a more moderate Pakistani society and to foster a relationship with India, the world's largest democracy, that is flourishing as it has not in years.

The New York Times

Michel Barnier, a Frenchman who recently chaired a working group on defence at the EU's current constitutional convention, says he wants Europe to foster a relationship with the United States "based on alliance, not allegiance".This rather abstract intellectual debate will come down to some hard practical issues in the coming months.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

There is also evidence that Chávez has fostered a relationship with the Colombian Marxist guerrilla organization Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, or FARC.

The New Yorker

It may be that forgiving ourselves for meandering, getting lost and getting defeated Is crucial when fostering a relationship with the unknown.

Huffington Post

This can be in the form of standing in a prayer circle at mosques around the US or fostering a relationship with a mosque in your community or even reaching out to your work colleague, fellow student, or neighbor and asking if they need anything or any help.

Huffington Post

In 2005, during his tenure as president of the American Association of Medical Colleges, Jordan Cohen described a climate of cooperation between D.O. and M.D. practitioners: Elsewhere, he has remarked that osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) "can be an aid to the physician in fostering a relationship with the patient".

Wikipedia

Based on their subjective judgment, they also believe that they would not be challenged in court, because they have fostered a relationship with the family based on trust.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foster a relationship with", consider the specific type of relationship you aim to cultivate. The phrase implies active effort and care, so ensure your actions align with this intention. Be specific about how you plan to "foster" the relationship, whether through regular communication, shared activities, or mutual support.

Common error

Avoid using "foster a relationship with" when describing a passive or hands-off approach. This phrase implies active cultivation. If the relationship is developing naturally without specific effort on your part, consider using a more neutral term like "have a relationship with" or "maintain contact with" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foster a relationship with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of actively promoting and nurturing a connection. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this involves effort to build and maintain positive interactions with individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts. The expression is widely accepted as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foster a relationship with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies actively promoting and nurturing connections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to scientific research and general communication. The phrase implies intention and effort in building strong relationships for mutual benefit, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement and care. While versatile, writers should ensure that the active nature of "foster" aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding its use when describing passive or hands-off relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate a relationship with

Emphasizes careful and deliberate development, similar to nurturing a plant.

nurture a relationship with

Focuses on providing care and support for growth.

develop a connection with

Highlights the act of establishing a bond or link.

build rapport with

Prioritizes creating a harmonious and understanding connection.

strengthen ties with

Suggests reinforcing existing connections.

establish a link with

Focuses on creating a formal or functional connection.

grow closer to

Indicates increasing intimacy and understanding.

promote a bond with

Suggests actively encouraging a strong connection.

encourage interaction with

Focuses on stimulating communication and engagement.

maintain contact with

Emphasizes keeping an existing relationship active.

FAQs

What does "foster a relationship with" mean?

The phrase "foster a relationship with" means to actively encourage the development and growth of a connection with someone or something, implying effort and care.

How can I "foster a relationship with" my clients?

You can "foster a relationship with" your clients through regular communication, personalized service, and demonstrating a genuine interest in their needs. Consider offering exclusive content or early access to promotions as ways to strengthen the bond.

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

Alternatives include "cultivate a relationship with", "nurture a relationship with", or "develop a connection with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "foster a relationship with" or simply "have a relationship with"?

"Foster a relationship with" implies active effort and care in developing the connection, while "have a relationship with" is a more neutral description. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of engagement and intention.