have a difficult relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'have a difficult relationship' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a complicated or strained dynamic between two individuals, groups, or nations. For example: "The two countries have a difficult relationship, which has been strained by many years of conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The two have a difficult relationship.

Independent

Which isn't to say they didn't have a difficult relationship.

The New Yorker

"The second toe longer than the big toe: she could have a difficult relationship with her mother- in-law.

The Guardian

Traditional news outlets have a difficult relationship with Facebook and Google, which they blame for sucking away valuable ad revenue.

The Guardian

I now understood that the Höss family – like my family, but for very different reasons – have a difficult relationship with their past.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

NEW HAVEN — Being black, I have a difficult relationship with my home state of South Carolina and its slaveholding history, epitomized by John C. Calhoun.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"We had a difficult relationship.

The New Yorker

"I never had a difficult relationship.

The Guardian

The company has had a difficult relationship with the WGA.

The Guardian

"And Nokia has had a difficult relationship with the carriers".

The New York Times

The country has always had a difficult relationship with water.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the relationship between entities, clarify the specific areas of difficulty to provide context and avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that two parties "have a difficult relationship" without providing specifics. Detail the issues causing the difficulty for a more informative and insightful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a difficult relationship" functions as a descriptor, characterizing the nature of the connection between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. It is commonly employed to indicate a state of discord or strain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Lifestyle

15%

Books

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a difficult relationship" is a widely accepted and frequently used expression to describe strained or challenging connections. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, suitable for various registers, especially in news and media. When using it, consider providing specifics to enhance clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "experience a strained relationship" or "struggle with their relationship" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to contextualize the difficulties to provide readers with a complete understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience a strained relationship

Focuses on the experience of strain, emphasizing the emotional impact.

endure a troubled relationship

Highlights the aspect of enduring hardship within the relationship.

struggle with their relationship

Emphasizes the active effort and challenge in maintaining the relationship.

have a rocky relationship

Uses a metaphor to describe the instability and roughness of the relationship.

maintain a tense connection

Highlights the underlying tension and unease in the bond.

suffer from a fractured bond

Implies a broken or damaged connection requiring repair.

encounter conflict in their relationship

Directly mentions the presence of conflict as a defining characteristic.

have a tumultuous relationship

Suggests a relationship filled with emotional upheaval and instability.

navigate a challenging partnership

Emphasizes the need for skillful management to overcome obstacles.

foster a fragile alliance

Indicates a delicate and easily broken agreement or association.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have a difficult relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "experience a strained relationship", "struggle with their relationship", or "have a rocky relationship" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had a difficult relationship"?

Yes, "had a difficult relationship" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct. For example, "They "had a difficult relationship" during their childhood".

What does it mean to "have a difficult relationship" with someone?

It means that the connection with the person is strained, fraught with conflict, or challenging to maintain. It implies ongoing issues or incompatibility.

Which is more appropriate, "have a difficult relationship" or "experience challenges in their relationship"?

Both are appropriate but "experience challenges in their relationship" sounds more formal and less judgmental than "have a difficult relationship". The better choice depends on the context and desired tone.