liaison

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "liaison" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe a person or thing that acts as a link between two parts of a system or organization. For example, "The company hired a new liaison to manage communication between the marketing and sales teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Executive liaison was between Kingman in London and Bernstein and Emmerich in Manchester.

The Guardian

Alexander Lapko, a senior specialist at the Nato liaison office in Kiev, wrote in October in the New York Times that his family had to spend $2,400 £1,6155) on a uniform, boots, gun sight, flak jacket and helmet for his brother, who was issued only a Kalashnikov assault rifle when he joined the army last year.

The Guardian

Or could it be, as some suggest, a liaison that will enable Desmond to obtain a desired peerage?

The Guardian

The review also recommended considering a permanent liaison officer or exchange program so the different agencies – BCP, Amsa and RCC – have a better understanding of how they each work.

The Guardian

According to his statement, also published by the Bangkok Post, his safety is under threat from "from foreign criminals in Thailand working in liaison with the Thai police".

The Guardian

£30m funding for liaison psychiatry services at hospitals.

The Guardian

As part of my current job, I am a liaison between the park and contractors working on projects, so I get to participate in planning meetings with elders and officials of the Nez Perce Tribe.

The Guardian - Opinion

They did ultimately make use of him, however, as a liaison man, on the occasion of the 1966 World Cup in England.

The Guardian - Sport

In a slowly increasing trend for American law enforcement, the Kansas City police department recently appointed its first LGBT liaison, Rebecca Caster, an affable, blond-haired, out-lesbian cop who's proud to work for a "very progressive" city "that is willing to push the envelope and create change".

The Guardian - Opinion

I met Tom, 47, earlier that day, in the hot, windowless offices of the hospital's liaison psychiatry team.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee, a watchdog, says more than 1,100 have died in such violence this year, mainly in the city's poorer areas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liaison", ensure the context clearly indicates the parties or groups being connected. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "liaison" when a simple "connection" or "communication" suffices. "Liaison" implies a more formal or structured relationship.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "liaison" is as a noun, denoting a connecting link or communication channel between parties. Ludwig AI shows many examples where it describes a person or office acting as an intermediary. It can also function as a verb, meaning to liaise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "liaison" functions primarily as a noun to describe a connecting link or communication channel, though it can also be used as a verb. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in formal contexts like news and business. While the word can also refer to a romantic affair, this usage is less common. When employing "liaison", ensure clarity in specifying the parties involved. It is important to recognize the range of the word "liaison" and its application, to choose the most precise word in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connection

A general term for a relationship or link.

relationship

Highlights the ongoing bond or association between entities.

intermediary

Highlights the role of someone who mediates between parties.

working relationship

Focuses on the professional aspect of the connection.

point of contact

Emphasizes a specific person or place serving as an intermediary.

mediator

Focuses on resolving disputes or facilitating agreements.

communication channel

Focuses on the means of conveying information rather than the relationship itself.

collaboration

Emphasizes cooperative work or joint effort.

go-between

An informal term for someone who connects people or groups.

alliance

Suggests a formal agreement for mutual benefit or support.

FAQs

How is "liaison" typically used in a sentence?

The word "liaison" commonly refers to a connection or communication between two or more parties. For example, "She served as the "liaison" between the marketing and sales departments".

What are some alternatives to using "liaison" in professional writing?

Depending on the context, you can replace "liaison" with words like "connection", "communication", or "intermediary" to convey similar meanings.

Can "liaison" refer to a romantic relationship?

Yes, "liaison" can sometimes refer to a romantic affair, often implying it's illicit or secretive. However, this usage is less common than its use to describe professional connections.

Is it correct to use "liaison" as a verb?

Yes, "liaison" can be used as a verb, meaning to act as a "liaison" or to establish a connection. For example, "The team will "liaise" with the client to gather feedback".