instrumental relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"instrumental relationship" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship in which one person has more control or influence over the other. For example, "The boy's father has an instrumental relationship with him, often making decisions on his behalf without consulting him."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The purpose of this study was to extend these researches by focusing on the conflicting or instrumental relationship between sport and other life contexts (i.e., school and friendship) to enhance the understanding of this phenomenon.

Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Mr León, the pollster, points out that Mr Chávez is trying to change "an instrumental relationship with the masses"—based on handouts and economic growth into an ideological one.Government buildings are now adorned with Patria, socialismo o muerte ("Motherland, socialism or death"), adapted from a slogan coined by Fidel Castro in the early years of the Cuban revolution half a century ago.

The Economist

At the same time, the notion of membership is more than just a transactional or instrumental relationship, like two parties agreeing to a contract.

Comparative Migration Studies

Though it was by nature an instrumental relationship based on an exchange of economic interests, the two parties would manage to enhance the emotional base in order to secure the stability of relations as such.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

But whether the child is aware of the instrumental relationship or not, if the mother's presence often presages the satisfaction of the child's intrinsic desires for a dry bottom and full stomach, then the learning processes generated by desire satisfaction will also tend to cause the young child to acquire an intrinsic desire for the presence of its mother (Schroeder 2004).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

and social capital (instrumental relationships such as being friends with lawyers and doctors).

Journal of Big Data

and (3) social capital (instrumental relationships such as being friends with lawyers and doctors) [2].

Journal of Big Data

Xu points out that the core of their networks was the kinship ties based on emotional connections, whereas the external part was instrumental relationships based on interest exchanges.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

While some patients sought only instrumental relationships with staff (these patients generally exhibiting very little interest in staff experiences of work life in the interviews) for the most part patients sought interpersonal relationships in the ward environment.

BMC Psychiatry

Instrumental relationships concern aspects of the relationship between the social insurance physician and the claimant that explicitly serve a goal (information-giving and information-seeking), and affective relationships concern collaborative, social-emotional aspects of the relationship between the social insurance physician and the claimant (positive and negative social talk).

BMC Public Health

Trust is instrumental in maintaining relationships and good relationships provide the joy we all wish for our children.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship that serves a specific purpose or goal, consider using "instrumental relationship" to highlight its functional nature.

Common error

While "instrumental relationship" is accurate for describing functional connections, it can sound cold or detached when applied to relationships primarily based on emotion or affection. Choose more suitable terms that reflect emotional nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instrumental relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "instrumental" is an adjective modifying the noun "relationship". It serves to characterize the nature of the relationship as being goal-oriented or serving a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instrumental relationship" describes a connection focused on achieving a specific goal or outcome, often prioritizing function over emotion. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage spans scientific, news and business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this term, be mindful of the potential for a cold or detached connotation and consider alternative phrases like "strategic alliance" or "working partnership" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influential relationship

Focuses specifically on the aspect of having a significant impact or influence.

essential relationship

Stresses the fundamental and requisite characteristic of the bond.

indispensable relationship

Highlights the necessity and crucial role of the relationship.

crucial relationship

Similar to critical, but may suggest a more time-sensitive or decisive importance.

vital relationship

Underscores the essential and life-sustaining nature of the bond.

critical relationship

Highlights the decisive and crucial aspect of the relationship.

useful relationship

Emphasizes the practicality and helpfulness of the connection.

central relationship

Points out the core and focal role of the relationship.

helpful relationship

Focuses on the supportive and assistance-oriented nature of the relationship.

fundamental relationship

Emphasizes the basic and foundational character of the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "instrumental relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "instrumental relationship" to describe relationships where one party benefits practically or materially from the other. For example: "Their /s/business partnership was an instrumental relationship, built solely on financial gains.".

What's the difference between "instrumental relationship" and "close relationship"?

An "instrumental relationship" focuses on the practical benefits derived from the connection, while a "close relationship" emphasizes emotional intimacy and support. One is primarily functional, the other primarily emotional.

What are some alternatives to "instrumental relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "strategic alliance", "working partnership", or "mutually beneficial arrangement" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "instrumental relationship" a negative term?

Not necessarily. While it can imply a lack of emotional depth, "instrumental relationship" simply describes a relationship focused on achieving specific goals or outcomes. Its connotation depends on the context.