has connections

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has connections" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to having relationships, either professional or personal, within a certain social or professional circle. For example: "He has connections in the music industry that have helped him launch his career as a singer-songwriter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If anybody has connections, these two do.

The New York Times - Sports

Even his dog has connections.

The New York Times

These days, Ms. Greenberger has connections aplenty.

The New York Times

It also has connections with nonstandard analysis.

Harvard University

She has connections to the N.Y.P.D., the Justice Department.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tang has connections on both sides of politics.

The Guardian

"He has connections and ways of getting things done".

The New York Times

Third, the IRA has connections with other terrorist organisations.

The Economist

"When you unpack it, it has connections for everybody".

The New York Times - Arts

But while it has connections to logic, it's mostly emotional.

The Washington Post

While Ms. Gedert does not have a job lined up in Little Rock, she has connections.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has connections", be specific about the nature and benefit of those connections to provide clearer context. For example, "She has connections in the film industry that helped secure funding for the project."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about having connections without providing evidence or context. Instead of saying "He has connections, so he'll succeed", specify who the connections are with and how they can help: "He has connections with key investors, which increases the likelihood of securing funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has connections" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject possesses relationships or links within a particular network. Ludwig's examples show it often describes someone's ability to leverage these relationships for personal or professional gain. The Ludwig AI response states the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has connections" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used expression to indicate that someone possesses a network of relationships providing access to opportunities or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for general use and often found in diverse contexts, with a primary presence in news and media. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial; specify the nature and benefits of those connections to provide context. Alternatives such as "is well-connected", "has links to", and "maintains relationships" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Steer clear of vague statements, and instead, provide concrete examples of who the connections are with and how they matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has links to

Highlights the existence of a specific link or association with something.

has ties with

Indicates a bond or link, often suggesting a close relationship.

is well-connected

Focuses on the state of being connected, emphasizing the extent of the network.

possesses contacts

Highlights the act of owning or holding valuable connections.

maintains relationships

Emphasizes the ongoing effort to keep connections active and relevant.

is associated with

Suggests a general link or relationship without specifying the nature of it.

is affiliated with

Implies a formal association or membership, suggesting a more structured connection.

enjoys access to

Focuses on the benefit of being able to utilize resources or people.

has influence in

Implies having the ability to affect decisions or outcomes due to connections.

is plugged into

Informal way of saying someone is well connected and aware of current trends.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "has connections" in a formal context?

In formal writing, you can replace "has connections" with phrases such as "is affiliated with", "maintains relationships with", or "enjoys access to", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone "has connections"?

When someone "has connections", it means they have relationships or associations with people who can provide them with opportunities, information, or advantages in a particular field or industry. It implies a network of contacts that can be leveraged for various purposes.

Is it better to say "has connections with" or "has connections to"?

Both "has connections with" and "has connections to" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Has connections with" emphasizes the relationship aspect, while "has connections to" emphasizes a link or association. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some less formal alternatives to "has connections"?

Less formal alternatives to "has connections" include phrases such as "is plugged into", "knows people", or "has ties with". These options are suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.