friendly relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

'friendly relationship' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a relationship that is characterized by good will and kindliness. Example sentence: They had a friendly relationship that was full of trust and mutual respect.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we have a friendly relationship".

The New York Times

But we have a very friendly relationship.

The New York Times - Magazine

We always had a warm & friendly relationship".

The Guardian

"Two years ago it was a very friendly relationship.

The New York Times

Ours was not at all a friendly relationship.

The Guardian

"We have a friendly relationship," he told me.

The New Yorker

And now we have got a friendly relationship.

The New York Times

I wanted us to have a friendly relationship".

The Guardian - Music

He had "a friendly relationship" with Mr Howard.

The Economist

Under a different situation, you might develop a friendly relationship.

The New York Times - Books

The two have a friendly relationship that dates from 1990.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship, be specific about the qualities that make it "friendly". For example, is it based on mutual respect, shared interests, or frequent positive interactions? Adding detail will make your writing more vivid and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "friendly relationship" to describe a deep, intimate bond. While friendliness is a component of such relationships, it doesn't capture the full depth of emotional connection. Use terms like "close relationship" or "intimate bond" to convey stronger feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "friendly relationship" functions as a noun phrase that describes a type of interpersonal connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to characterize bonds marked by goodwill and kindliness. Examples show it describing connections between individuals, groups, and even nations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "friendly relationship" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe positive interactions between individuals or entities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more specific terms if you wish to emphasize intimacy or formality. Remember to provide detail when describing such relationship in order to make the nature of the bond more informative. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, highlighting its relevance in describing interpersonal and international dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amicable connection

Replaces "relationship" with "connection", suggesting a less formal and potentially shorter-term association, while "amicable" emphasizes politeness and goodwill.

harmonious rapport

Emphasizes the mutual understanding and positive communication within the relationship; suitable for describing close, cooperative bonds.

cordial association

"Cordial" and "association" introduce a slightly more formal tone, implying a professional or diplomatic connection rather than a personal one.

positive dynamic

Focuses on the interactive aspect of the relationship, highlighting the beneficial and constructive nature of their interactions.

good terms

A more concise and informal way to express that people or entities maintain a pleasant and cooperative relationship.

close bond

Implies a deeper emotional connection and a higher level of trust and understanding than a "friendly relationship".

warm regards

Shifts the focus to the feeling and affection within the relationship, portraying it as heartfelt and considerate.

cooperative alliance

Suggests a purposeful collaboration built on mutual respect and benefit, often used in professional or political contexts.

collegial atmosphere

Describes the overall environment of friendliness and cooperation, particularly in a workplace or academic setting, not a relationship in itself.

civil exchange

Indicates a polite and respectful interaction, even if there is no deep connection or agreement, focusing on the manner of communication.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "friendly relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "friendly relationship" to describe positive interactions and mutual goodwill between people or entities. For example, "The two companies have maintained a "friendly relationship" for many years, collaborating on several successful projects."

What's the difference between a "friendly relationship" and a "close relationship"?

A "friendly relationship" implies politeness, respect, and goodwill, while a "close relationship" suggests a deeper emotional connection, intimacy, and mutual support.

What are some alternatives to "friendly relationship"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "amicable connection", "cordial association", or "harmonious rapport" to describe positive relationships.

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

Yes, "friendly relationship" is appropriate in formal writing, but consider the specific context. For professional settings, terms like "cordial association" or "cooperative alliance" may be more suitable.