have a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any type of close bond between two or more people, such as a romantic relationship, business partnership, friendship, family relationship, etc. For example: "John and Jane had a strong relationship, even after they divorced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Naturally, we have a relationship like that".

The New York Times - Sports

I have a relationship with that brand.

The New York Times - Magazine

They do have a relationship".

The New York Times - Sports

We have a relationship with Christ.

The New Yorker

You can't have a relationship with stars.

The New Yorker

We don't have a relationship," he says.

The Guardian - Sport

Californians have a relationship with fire.

The Washington Post

"We don't have a relationship," he said.

The New Yorker

And if we have a relationship, then we have a relationship.

The New York Times - Magazine

I have a relationship with the work; they have a relationship with the work.

The Guardian - Music

I couldn't even have a relationship with God.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a relationship", clearly define the type of relationship to avoid ambiguity. Specify whether it's a romantic relationship, a professional connection, or a family bond.

Common error

Avoid using "have a relationship" without specifying the nature of the connection. For example, instead of saying "They have a relationship", clarify with "They have a professional relationship" or "They have a close friendship".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a relationship" functions as a verb phrase, where "have" is the main verb and "a relationship" is the object. It indicates the existence of a connection or association between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a connection between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood in various contexts. It's important to specify the type of relationship to avoid ambiguity. This phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Academia, and Science, according to Ludwig's analysis of numerous sources. To enhance clarity, consider using alternatives like "maintain a connection", or "foster a bond" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain a connection

Emphasizes the effort required to keep a bond active.

connect on a personal level

Highlights the depth and intimacy of the connection.

foster a bond

Suggests actively nurturing and developing a connection.

build rapport

Concentrates on establishing a harmonious and understanding relationship.

cultivate ties

Implies a careful and sustained effort to build connections, often in a professional or formal setting.

develop an understanding

Emphasizes growing comprehension and empathy between individuals.

engage with

Focuses on the act of interacting or being involved with someone or something.

share an affinity

Highlights a shared feeling of connection or likeness.

establish communication

Focuses on starting a dialogue or exchange.

form an alliance

Suggests a cooperative relationship for mutual benefit.

FAQs

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

To "have a relationship" with someone generally means to share a connection that can be romantic, platonic, familial, or professional. The specific nature of the bond is usually implied or stated for clarity.

How can I clarify the type of relationship I "have" with someone?

You can clarify the type of relationship by adding adjectives like "romantic", "professional", "familial", or "casual" before the word "relationship". For instance, instead of saying "We have a relationship", you could say "We have a professional relationship" or "We have a casual relationship".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "have a relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "maintain a connection", "foster a bond", or "cultivate ties". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "have a relationship"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to say "have a relationship". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.