fraught connections

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fraught connections" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe relationships or links that are filled with tension, difficulty, or emotional weight. Example: "The fraught connections between the two families made the reunion uncomfortable for everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his eyes the emotions that fuel the film are the profound and often fraught connections between mother and child, whether or not those ties are biological.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Curiosity is one reason to try to forge a new, less emotionally fraught connection and, interestingly, your baby may do the work for you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From the start of their sentimental yet fraught connection, the director and the actors dramatize the equal likelihood of powerful experiences proving burdensome or energizing, of an enduring pain serving as motivation or as destruction.

The New Yorker

The film (being shown at 8 p.m. July 21 at the School of Visual Arts) observes the fraught connection between Russell Tom Cullenn), a lifeguard at a public pool, and Glen Chris Neww), a free-spirited art gallery employee in Nottingham, England, over two days after which Glen leaves for a two-year stay in the United States.

The New York Times - Arts

What is dismayingly absent from Mr. Gold's torpid production, unfortunately, is any palpable sense of the fraught emotional connections among these characters.

The New York Times

But, without being fraught, the connections are always palpable, charging the gaps between the performers as the dance fills the silences between the musical passages.

The New York Times - Arts

The aim may be to give the family access to resources from other micro-systems; to develop connections fraught with conflict between micro-systems (e.g. the family and the child-care); or to coordinate multiple micro-systems involved in network meetings.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Now the characters can connect, even if these connections are fraught and painful.

The New York Times - Books

The selection of a World Twenty20 squad for next month's tournament in India has again focused the mind on the fraught, quietly shifting connection between new and old worlds.

The Guardian - Sport

But that little detail - that Private Smith died in a dangerous job that she took to support a family - is fraught with human connection and tragedy, and we lose that if we over-idealize what led them to the battlefield.

Huffington Post

Smith maps the emotionally fraught and ethically unsettling connections between Moll's family and the family of her masters, and the wounds of grief and loss suffered by each, against the backdrop of America's post-revolutionary growing pains.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fraught connections", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the tension or difficulty within the relationship. Specificity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "fraught connections" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for more serious, analytical, or formal contexts where its nuanced meaning can be fully appreciated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fraught connections" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'fraught' modifies 'connections'. It describes connections that are characterized by tension, anxiety, or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fraught connections" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe relationships or links burdened by tension, difficulty, or anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal writing and analytical contexts. While not exceedingly common, its use in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its legitimacy and descriptive power. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure that it accurately reflects the underlying emotional or problematic state of the connections being described. Alternatives such as "tense relationships" or "troubled relationships" may offer a more direct or nuanced alternative depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tense relationships

Focuses specifically on the tension within the relationships, removing the implication of complexity or risk.

troubled relationships

Highlights the problematic nature of the relationships, suggesting difficulties and potential instability.

difficult associations

Emphasizes the challenging nature of the associations or links, focusing on the effort required.

strained ties

Focuses on the weakening or impairment of bonds, suggesting a loss of affection or trust.

precarious links

Highlights the instability and potential danger associated with the links or connections.

risky alliances

Emphasizes the potential dangers and uncertainties involved in forming alliances or partnerships.

contentious connections

Highlights the presence of disagreement and argument within the connections or relationships.

stormy relationships

Implies turbulent and emotionally charged interactions within the relationships.

delicate connections

Focuses on the fragility and need for careful handling of the connections or relationships.

complex relationships

Focuses on the complicated nature of the relationships, without necessarily implying negative emotions.

FAQs

How can I use "fraught connections" in a sentence?

You can use "fraught connections" to describe relationships or links characterized by tension, anxiety, or difficulty. For example: "The "fraught connections" between the two departments hindered collaboration".

What are some alternatives to "fraught connections"?

Some alternatives include "tense relationships", "troubled relationships", or "difficult associations", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fraught connections" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "fraught connections" is generally better suited for formal writing or serious discussions due to its relatively sophisticated and nuanced meaning. Using simpler terms might be more appropriate in casual settings.

What is the difference between "fraught connections" and "strained ties"?

"Fraught connections" implies a relationship filled with anxiety or tension, while "strained ties" suggests a weakening or damaged relationship. The former focuses on the emotional state, and the latter on the condition of the connection.