maintaining a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maintaining a relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of keeping a connection or bond with someone, whether in personal or professional contexts. Example: "Effective communication is key to maintaining a relationship with clients and ensuring their satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maintaining a relationship with an addressee would be crucial.

The New York Times

But maintaining a relationship with the I.S.I. may have created expectations of loyalty.

The New Yorker

For some people, the problem is not maintaining a relationship, but ending one.

The New York Times - Tech

Maintaining a relationship in which one partner travels a lot is tough, he added.

The New York Times - Arts

But isn't it difficult maintaining a relationship when the two of them are away so often?

Independent

No. 3 was maintaining a relationship with the government of Yemen — but only to support those objectives".

The New Yorker

And my parents would send money to the Fans while maintaining a relationship with me in secret.

The Washington Post

Our research demonstrated that it was those areas with strong governance which were attracting business and maintaining a relationship with them.

The Guardian

He went through affairs and five marriages; he needed to have a woman in his life, but he wasn't particularly adept at maintaining a relationship.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Dupri is in talks with Virgin's corporate parent, the British music giant EMI, about maintaining a relationship with the label through a new label or production deal.

The New York Times

It's about love and integrity, and the thought and work and consideration that must go into establishing and maintaining a relationship of equality and mutual respect.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "maintaining a relationship", be specific about the type of relationship (e.g., professional, personal, familial) to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using generic advice for "maintaining a relationship" without considering the specific dynamics and context of the relationship you're discussing. Tailor your advice to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintaining a relationship" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates this, demonstrating its common usage in various sentence structures. It describes the action of keeping a connection active and healthy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Huffington Post

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis confirms that the phrase "maintaining a relationship" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI shows it is appropriate for both general and specific use, emphasizing the continuous effort required to sustain a connection. The phrase carries a generally neutral tone, making it suitable for various registers, though its usage can skew towards the professional in business settings. To communicate about "maintaining a relationship" efficiently, remember to specify the relationship type and its specific dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustaining a connection

Focuses on the act of providing support or nourishment to keep a connection alive.

nurturing a bond

Implies a caring and developmental approach to strengthening a relationship.

fostering a connection

Suggests actively promoting and encouraging the growth of a relationship.

preserving a tie

Emphasizes keeping a relationship intact, often against potential threats.

cultivating a rapport

Highlights the development of mutual understanding and trust in a relationship.

keeping up a correspondence

Specifically refers to maintaining a relationship through communication.

managing an alliance

Suggests handling the dynamics and interests within a formal relationship.

continuing an engagement

Implies sustained involvement and commitment in a relationship.

developing an acquaintance

Focuses on building familiarity and initial interactions within a relationship.

strengthening relations

Emphasizes improving and reinforcing the links between individuals or groups.

FAQs

How do I use "maintaining a relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "maintaining a relationship" to describe the effort required to keep a bond strong. For example: "Effective communication is key to maintaining a relationship with clients."

What are some alternative phrases for "maintaining a relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "sustaining a connection", "nurturing a bond", or "fostering a connection" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "maintaining a relationship" and "preserving a relationship"?

"Maintaining a relationship" generally refers to the ongoing effort to keep a relationship healthy, while "preserving a relationship" suggests an effort to keep a relationship intact, often against potential threats or challenges.

How important is trust in "maintaining a relationship"?

Trust is crucial in "maintaining a relationship". Without trust, relationships can become strained and difficult to sustain. Building and maintaining trust requires consistent honesty, reliability, and open communication.