maintain close ties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintain close ties" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an ongoing relationship between two or more people, groups, or organizations that is characterized by mutual loyalty and support. For example, "The two nations have maintained close ties for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Orthodox churches in both countries maintain close ties.

The New York Times

And I've been able to maintain close ties with my community and family.

The New York Times

Qatar, to the south, has also sought to maintain close ties with Washington.

The New York Times

Human Rights groups also say the security forces maintain close ties with right-wing death squads.

The New York Times

That Muslims might wish to maintain close ties with this city unlike any other is understandable.

The New York Times

Her desire to maintain close ties grows out of her suburban middle-class upbringing in Cranford.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

And self-settled refugees are often able to maintain closer ties with home.

The New York Times

But across the country many people are sceptical, and wish to maintain closer ties with Russia.

BBC

RIM has long maintained close ties to wireless carriers.

The New York Times

Dr. Cammett maintained close ties to the college after retirement.

The New York Times

Armenia, a former Soviet republic, maintains close ties with Russia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international relations or business partnerships, use "maintain close ties" to emphasize a commitment to ongoing cooperation and mutual support.

Common error

Avoid using "maintain close ties" if the relationship is merely superficial or infrequent. Ensure that the connections are genuinely strong and active.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintain close ties" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of a strong relationship or connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. The phrase describes an ongoing action rather than a static state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "maintain close ties" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the continuation of strong, supportive relationships. It is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted. While suitable alternatives exist, "maintain close ties" effectively conveys a sense of ongoing commitment and mutual cooperation. Its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preserve strong connections

Emphasizes keeping existing connections intact.

Retain strong bonds

Highlights the preservation of emotional or social connections.

Foster good relations

Highlights the development of positive relationships.

Cultivate friendly relations

Emphasizes the intentional effort to grow and improve relationships.

Nurture strong relationships

Focuses on actively fostering and developing relationships.

Cherish lasting connections

Stresses the value and importance of maintaining long-term relationships.

Sustain cordial relationships

Implies maintaining polite and friendly relationships over time.

Strengthen existing alliances

Focuses on reinforcing connections between groups or organizations.

Uphold robust links

Suggests a commitment to supporting established connections.

Keep up communication

Focuses on ongoing communication as a means of maintaining connection.

FAQs

How can I use "maintain close ties" in a sentence?

You can use "maintain close ties" to describe ongoing, supportive relationships. For example, "The two countries "maintain close ties" through regular diplomatic meetings."

What is a good alternative to "maintain close ties"?

Alternatives include "foster good relations", "preserve strong connections", or "nurture strong relationships", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "maintain close ties" in formal writing?

Yes, "maintain close ties" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts like business reports, academic papers, and news articles. It conveys a sense of sustained and positive engagement.

What's the difference between "maintain close ties" and "establish close ties"?

"Maintain close ties" refers to the act of preserving an existing strong relationship, while "establish close ties" refers to forming or creating a strong relationship from the beginning.