had a close connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a close connection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong relationship or bond between people, groups, or concepts. Example: "The two researchers had a close connection, which allowed them to collaborate effectively on their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Joni had a close connection with drummer John Guerin.

The Guardian - Music

Austen had a close connection to the militia, as her brother Henry joined the Oxfordshire militia in 1793.

Columbia University

"The Mafia did not spring wholly formed from the earth in 1991; it was always there, and had a close connection with government officials".

The New York Times

My colleague Dieter Bednarz established a well-functioning contact with diplomats who had a close connection to Assad and submitted our proposal.

The Guardian

"In addition, there are invitations being made in a personal capacity to some current and former world leaders as well as others from overseas who had a close connection to Baroness Thatcher".

Independent

Pindar was born at the time of the Pythian festival, and from his youth he had a close connection with the Pythian priesthood, which served the oracular shrine of Apollo at Delphi.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It felt right that Brody had a closer connection to his daughter than he did with his wife.

The New York Times

The DoG output at fine scales (( sigma_{c} = 1,,{text{to}},33 )) in Fig. 6 highlights a grouping of connected superimposed small dots together, which has a close connection to 'Similarity', 'Continuity' and 'Connectivity' in the Gestalt grouping principles.

Brain Informatics

We don't have a close connection.

The Guardian - Sport

Sports have a close connection with bad civic values.

The New York Times - Sports

"This museum has a close connection with its founding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "had a close connection", ensure that the nature of the connection is clear to the reader. Provide context about how the connection influenced actions, decisions, or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "had a close connection" without specifying the nature of the connection. Instead of just stating the existence of the connection, clarify what made it close and how it was significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a close connection" functions as a descriptive phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate a significant relationship or association. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

17%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a close connection" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a significant relationship or bond. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Academia, it is versatile enough for use in general conversation. When using this phrase, ensure that the nature of the connection is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "was closely linked" or "enjoyed a close relationship" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was closely linked

Focuses on the link itself, rather than the nature of the relationship.

enjoyed a close relationship

Highlights the relational aspect of the bond.

maintained strong ties

Emphasizes the active effort to keep the connection.

shared a deep bond

Highlights the emotional aspect of the connection.

cultivated a tight bond

Highlights the development and strengthening of the relationship.

was intimately involved

Stresses the depth and intensity of the connection.

had a strong association

Indicates a formal or professional link.

possessed a profound connection

Emphasizes the significance and depth of the relationship.

was connected at the hip

An informal way to express being inseparable or strongly connected.

had dealings with

Implies a more transactional or professional connection.

FAQs

How can I use "had a close connection" in a sentence?

Use "had a close connection" to describe a significant relationship or bond between people, things, or ideas. For example, "The scientist had a close connection with her mentor, which shaped her career path."

What are some alternatives to saying "had a close connection"?

You can use alternatives such as "was closely linked", "shared a deep bond", or "enjoyed a close relationship" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "had a close connection with" or "had a close connection to"?

Both "had a close connection with" and "had a close connection to" are grammatically correct, but "with" is generally used when referring to people, while "to" is often used when referring to places or things. For instance, "She had a close connection with her family" and "The building had a close connection to the city's history."

What's the difference between "had a close connection" and "had a casual acquaintance"?

"Had a close connection" implies a strong and meaningful relationship, while "had a casual acquaintance" suggests a superficial or brief interaction. The first involves trust, understanding and a shared history, whereas the second does not.