hamper relations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hamper relations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something negatively affects or obstructs relationships between people, groups, or entities. Example: "The recent scandal has the potential to hamper relations between the two countries, making diplomatic negotiations more difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Page A4 RUSSIA-U.S. TIES STRAINED Russia lashed out at the United States over the sentencing of a convicted Russian arms trafficker to 25 years in prison, calling the decision by a New York court "baseless and biased" and warning that it could hamper relations between Moscow and Washington.

The New York Times

MOSCOW — Russia lashed out at the United States on Friday over the sentencing of a convicted Russian arms trafficker to 25 years in prison, calling the decision by a New York court "baseless and biased" and warning that it could hamper relations between Moscow and Washington.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Chancellor Angela Merkel actively supported the failed re-election bid by Nicolas Sarkozy, the previous French president, hampering relations with the ultimate victor, Mr. Hollande.

The New York Times

These allegations of corruption hamper USG relations with GIRoA officials, as well as contractors, and are being reviewed by U.S. Embassy law enforcement officials.

The Guardian

Persistent denial of historical injustices not only impedes democratization but also hampers stable relations between different ethnic and religious groups.

The New York Times

"Such attacks will not hamper Afghanistan's relations with other nations," he said.

The New York Times

The April spy plane incident, for example, did not hamper Yale's relations with China.

The New York Times

Iran and the US have no direct diplomatic relations, hampering efforts to free the detainees.

The Guardian

Following the conquest of New France, Amherst, who had little respect for Indians, instituted policies that severely hampered British-Indian relations, principally forbidding the sale of ammunition to them.

Wikipedia

Expressing concern about how deteriorated relations might hamper the postwar reconstruction of Iraq, Mr. Blair said it was important for the United States and Europe to work again as partners.

The New York Times

The political fallout from the recent incidents could hamper efforts to improve relations, in keeping with a campaign pledge by recently elected Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who as recently as Monday called on both countries to cut defense spending in the interest of peace.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "hamper relations", ensure the context clearly identifies what is causing the obstruction and which specific relationships are being affected. This adds precision and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hamper relations" in overly general contexts without specifying the parties or the nature of the obstruction. For example, instead of saying "The situation could hamper relations", specify: "The trade dispute could hamper relations between the US and China".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hamper relations" functions as a verb phrase where "hamper" acts as a transitive verb indicating the action of hindering or obstructing, and "relations" serves as the direct object, specifying what is being hindered. Ludwig AI confirms the usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hamper relations" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of obstructing or negatively affecting relationships. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts, this phrase serves to communicate a hindrance or negative impact on relationships. Alternative phrases such as "impair relationships", "strain ties", or "undermine rapport" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When employing the phrase "hamper relations", be sure to clearly specify what or whom is causing the obstruction and which relationships are being impacted for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impair relationships

This alternative uses "impair" which suggests a weakening or damaging effect, instead of directly obstructing as "hamper" does.

damage connections

This phrase substitutes "relations" with "connections" and "hamper" with "damage", focusing on the detrimental effect rather than the obstruction.

strain ties

This option uses "strain" to imply tension and weakening, and "ties" to represent relationships.

undermine rapport

The alternative replaces "hamper" with "undermine", indicating a gradual weakening, and "relations" with "rapport", emphasizing harmonious understanding.

disrupt harmony

This phrase replaces "hamper relations" with a focus on disrupting an existing state of harmony.

impede diplomacy

This option specifies the type of relationship being hampered (diplomacy).

complicate dealings

This alternative shifts the focus to the complexity introduced in interactions or "dealings".

obstruct communication

Here, the focus is on obstructing the flow of information or "communication" between parties.

hinder cooperation

This phrase uses "hinder" as a synonym for "hamper", emphasizing the obstruction of "cooperation".

aggravate discord

This alternative uses "aggravate" which suggests to make worse and "discord" for disagreement or lack of harmony.

FAQs

How can I use "hamper relations" in a sentence?

You can use "hamper relations" to describe actions or events that negatively affect relationships between people, groups, or countries. For example: "The new policy could "hamper relations" between the two departments."

What are some alternatives to saying "hamper relations"?

Alternatives include "impair relationships", "strain ties", or "undermine rapport", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "hamper relations" or "improve relations" when discussing diplomacy?

It depends on the context. "Hamper relations" describes a negative impact, while the opposite action would be "improve relations". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "hamper relations" and "affect relations"?

"Affect relations" is a more general term meaning to have an influence on relations. "Hamper relations" specifically means to obstruct or hinder those relations, implying a negative impact.