improve relations

USAGE SUMMARY

'improve relations' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of improving the connection between two people or groups. For example, "The two countries are working hard to improve relations and establish a stronger bond of friendship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We are hoping to build bridges and improve relations".

The Guardian

We have a responsibility to improve relations between races.

The Guardian

His action helped improve relations between Polish Christians and Jews.

The New York Times

It was also a way to improve relations".

The New Yorker

How can I improve relations with my mentor?

The Guardian

He will no doubt improve relations with Russia.

The Economist

The talks might improve relations with Egypt's Islamist government.

The Economist

The decision complicates Libya's efforts to improve relations with the West.

The New York Times

Mr. Carter worked to improve relations with Cuba during his presidency.

The New York Times

The US has almost certainly cajoled Modi to improve relations with Pakistan.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The church has tried everything to improve relations with the Jews.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "improve relations", be specific about the areas needing improvement. For instance, instead of generally stating a desire to "improve relations" with a department, focus on "improving communication" or "streamlining collaborative projects".

Common error

Avoid using "improve relations" without defining the specific goals. Unclear intentions can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective strategies. Define concrete, measurable objectives to ensure progress and mutual satisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve relations" functions as a verb phrase where "improve" is the verb and "relations" is the direct object. It expresses an action aimed at enhancing the quality of connections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used in English to express improving connection between two people or groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improve relations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating an effort to enhance connections between individuals, groups, or entities. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate and common in English writing. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is predominantly used in the context of news and media, followed by formal and business settings. While the phrase is typically neutral, its specific application often appears in professional and diplomatic settings. To enhance clarity, it is recommended to specify the desired outcomes when aiming to "improve relations". Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for describing efforts to foster better connections, but should be used with intent and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strengthen ties

Focuses on making connections stronger, implying a more robust relationship.

foster understanding

Emphasizes the development of mutual comprehension and empathy.

enhance cooperation

Highlights collaborative efforts and mutual benefit.

build rapport

Suggests creating a harmonious and trusting relationship.

promote harmony

Focuses on creating a peaceful and balanced interaction.

cultivate goodwill

Implies nurturing positive feelings and intentions.

develop connections

Stresses the establishment of links and relationships.

mend fences

Refers to repairing damaged relationships after a disagreement.

improve communication

Highlights the enhancement of dialogue and exchange of information.

ease tensions

Focuses on reducing strain and conflict in a relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "improve relations" to describe efforts to make relationships better, such as "The company is working to "improve relations" with its customers".

What can I say instead of "improve relations"?

You can use alternatives like "strengthen ties", "foster understanding", or "enhance cooperation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "improve relations" or "improve relationship"?

"Improve relations" is used when referring to multiple relationships or a general state of affairs between groups. "Improve relationship" is used when referring to a specific connection between two entities.

What's the difference between "improve relations" and "maintain relations"?

"Improve relations" refers to making existing relationships better, while "maintain relations" focuses on keeping the current level of connection without necessarily enhancing it. To "improve relations" suggest that they aren't satisfactory right now.