fractured relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fractured relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that has been damaged or broken, often due to conflict or misunderstanding. Example: "After years of disagreements and arguments, they found themselves in a fractured relationship that seemed impossible to repair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, American and Pakistani officials are, at least publicly, trying to play down tensions in a deeply fractured relationship.

The New York Times

The cooperation is notable because it suggests that NBC and the committee repaired their sometimes fractured relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

12.31pm BST "If Moyes is named as Ferguson's successor, do you think United's fractured relationship with Preston North End will be restored?" says Michael Moran.

The Guardian - Sport

But at bottom, it boils down to Harry trying to find the truth about his dead father and their fraught, fractured relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While she maintained a fractured relationship with her Italian mother, a disciple of Mussolini, she never spoke to her father again.

The Guardian - Arts

Piquet would take the title in '87 but only after a titanic struggle with Mansell that finally did for their already fractured relationship.

BBC

Moontoast and MobileBackstage.com are both similarly small sized, early stage start-ups and both are offering promising digital solutions to rebuilding the once fractured relationship between musical artists and musical fans.

TechCrunch

Let's just hope that the currently fractured relationship can be reversed, and it doesn't turn into a liability.

Huffington Post

Following news of yet another RCMP officer mistreating an aboriginal woman, we speak to a woman who has some ideas about beginning to repair that fractured relationship.

Vice

Mangini's fractured relationship with the Patriots adds to the intrigue.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a fractured relationship," the cop at my house the other night said with a shrug.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fractured relationship" to describe situations where damage has occurred, but the possibility of repair or reconciliation still exists. It's more nuanced than 'broken' but stronger than 'strained'.

Common error

Avoid using "fractured relationship" in everyday conversation or informal writing when simpler terms like "strained" or "difficult" would suffice. The phrase carries a weight that may feel overly dramatic in lighter contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fractured relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fractured' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'relationship'. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state of the relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fractured relationship" describes a bond that has suffered damage, though not necessarily irreparable. Analysis reveals that it's a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's predominantly found in news and media contexts, as well as in academic discourse. While synonyms like "strained relationship" or "broken relationship" exist, "fractured relationship" carries a particular nuance suggesting a possibility of healing. Therefore, use the phrase mindfully, considering the context and desired level of formality. Remember that overuse in casual conversation can sound unnatural. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase's versatility across a spectrum of complex situations, making it a valuable addition to a writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Focuses on the tension and difficulty in the relationship, rather than a complete break.

damaged relationship

Highlights the harm inflicted, suggesting potential for repair but emphasizing existing wounds.

broken relationship

Implies a more complete severance or irreparable damage compared to "fractured relationship".

ruptured relationship

Suggests a sudden and forceful break, often due to a specific event or conflict.

discordant relationship

Emphasizes the lack of harmony and agreement, focusing on ongoing conflict.

deteriorated relationship

Highlights the gradual decline in the quality and health of the connection.

troubled relationship

Suggests ongoing difficulties and problems within the relationship.

impaired relationship

Indicates a weakening or diminishment of the relationship's functionality or health.

difficult relationship

Highlights the challenges and struggles involved in maintaining the connection.

unhealthy relationship

Focuses on the detrimental effects and negative patterns within the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "fractured relationship" to describe damaged or strained connections between people, groups, or entities. For example, "The scandal led to a fractured relationship between the company and its customers."

What are some synonyms for "fractured relationship"?

Alternatives include "strained relationship", "damaged relationship", or "broken relationship", depending on the degree of severity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fractured relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "fractured relationship" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing complex interpersonal or political situations. It conveys a sense of damage and disruption.

What's the difference between "fractured relationship" and "broken relationship"?

"Fractured relationship" suggests damage and strain but implies a possibility of repair, while "broken relationship" indicates a more complete and potentially irreparable severance.