open relation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open relation" is not correct in standard English; the correct term is "open relationship." You can use it to describe a romantic relationship where both partners agree to engage in sexual or romantic relationships with other people.
Example: "They decided to enter into an open relationship to explore their connections with others while still being committed to each other."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He said, dryly, "Perhaps it is a special feature of German 'transparency' that there is no real, open relation with our Muslim communities, especially in Berlin.

The New Yorker

The full, open relation between beings, thus conceived, is essentially "dialogical," the relation between an I and a thou, between the whole of a person and the fullness of what he confronts another being, a "presence," and a "mystery," rather than an "object" of detached perception, thought, and expression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On this basis, the paper asks whether the fact that all these changes point the same way, towards a more intense and open relation between museum and city than has existed in the past, indicates a new emerging model for the museum, the urbanised museum.

City, Culture and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In Seoul, South Korea's Foreign Ministry hailed the move to open relations.

The New York Times

Those who favor more open relations with Cuba praised Mr. Carter's visit as an effort to start a new dialogue.

The New York Times

Does the ascension of Raúl Castro, Fidel Castro's brother, represent an opportunity to open relations with that country?

The New York Times

Obama will be under pressure to demonstrate that his decision to open relations is helping to encourage political reforms.

The Guardian

"Why are people suddenly so cooperative?" said a Western diplomat whose country is planning to open relations soon.

The New York Times

In July 1971, he was assigned to take Henry A. Kissinger on the first leg of his secret mission to China to begin talks to open relations between the two countries.

The New York Times

She led efforts to open relations with Burma, brokered a 2012 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and drafted economic sanctions on Iran.

The New Yorker

Overcoming the administration's skeptics, she persuaded Mr. Obama to open relations with the military rulers in Myanmar, a reclusive dictatorship eager to emerge from decades of isolation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a relationship where individuals are free to have other partners, use the term "open relationship" instead of "open relation".

Common error

Avoid using "open relation" when discussing interpersonal dynamics. "Open relationship" is the conventional term. Similarly, for diplomatic contexts, use "open relations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open relation" is primarily intended to describe a connection or association that is transparent and without restrictions. However, Ludwig AI advises that the more appropriate term is either "open relationship" or "open relations," depending on the specific context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "open relation" might appear in certain contexts, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered standard English. For interpersonal relationships, the accurate term is "open relationship", referring to a consensual non-monogamous arrangement. For discussions about diplomatic ties, use "open relations", denoting unrestricted interactions between entities. Due to its infrequent use and potential for misinterpretation, it's advisable to prefer the more established alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

open relationship

More commonly used term for a relationship where partners are open to other sexual or romantic connections.

open relations

Refers to the state of having diplomatic or social interactions without restrictions.

transparent connection

Highlights the clarity and honesty within the relationship.

unrestricted association

Emphasizes the freedom and lack of constraints in the association.

candid liaison

Stresses the honesty and directness of the connection.

frank rapport

Indicates a straightforward and honest communication style in the relationship.

honest relationship

Focuses on the aspect of truthfulness and sincerity.

forthright interaction

Highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of the interaction.

unreserved communication

Emphasizes the openness and willingness to share without holding back.

clear understanding

Focuses on the mutual comprehension and lack of ambiguity.

FAQs

What's the correct way to refer to a relationship where both partners agree to have other sexual or romantic relationships?

The correct term is "open relationship". The phrase "open relation" is not standard English in this context.

In what context can I use the term 'open relations'?

You can use "open relations" when discussing diplomatic or social interactions between groups or countries.

Are there other phrases similar to "open relation" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you might consider using phrases like "transparent connection" or "unrestricted association" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "open relation" grammatically correct?

No, "open relation" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use "open relationship" or "open relations" depending on the intended meaning.