patchy relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patchy relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is inconsistent, unreliable, or has many ups and downs. Example: "Their friendship has always been a patchy relationship, with periods of closeness followed by long stretches of silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We've got a patchy relationship at the moment, and I just wish I could give him a hug and say, 'man, can we just put this behind us?'" said Pietersen.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Microsoft has a patchy and checkered relationship with China, and that's not just consumers, but also the government," says Patrick Horgan, who runs the Beijing office of APCO Worldwide, a public affairs consulting company.

Forbes

"Microsoft has a very patchy and checkered relationship with China as a whole, and that's not just consumers, but also the government," says Patrick Horgan, who runs the Beijing office of APCO Worldwide, a public affairs consulting company.

Forbes

Our approach could be replicated in other landscapes of West Africa to provide a substitute for unavailable or expensive spatial data and to test the hypothetical relationship between patchy landscape structure and ecosystem service provision through modelling.

Ecological Informatics

More recently, the direct causal relationship between patchy infarction and de novo CG in transplanted kidneys has been reported [ 8].

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

In the present study, the isolated Tc1-like sequences from different fish species do not conform to the vertical evolutionary relationships, and their phylogenetic relationship is patchy clustering.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Even for the isolated 13 Tc1-like sequences from seven species of the Cyprinidae family, their phylogenetic relationship is patchy clustering.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Nevertheless, our phylogenomic analysis indicates that vertical inheritance combined with gene duplication and gene loss is rather unlikely to have produced the observed phylogenetic relationships and patchy taxonomic distributions and that gene transfer is the simplest hypothesis currently available to explain these trees.

BMC Genomics

There are three main criteria of use in establishing LGT in eukaryotes; unexpected phylogenetic relationships, a patchy phyletic distribution and an overlap of life habits [ 49], We previously reported the first instance of LGT of an antifreeze gene between two vertebrates.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

To determine the relationship between delayed patchy choroidal filling and morphologic and functional outcomes among eyes treated with ranibizumab or bevacizumab.

American Journal of Ophthalmology

If the phyletic distribution of nuclear-like structures is patchy, then assuming a homologous relationship between these forms appears little parsimonious, knowing that losing the nucleus is apparently not so common (at least for a eukaryote).

Biology Direct

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "patchy relationship", consider if a more specific term like "inconsistent" or "unstable" would more accurately convey the nature of the relationship you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "patchy relationship" in highly formal or professional writing where a more precise and sophisticated term like "inconsistent dynamics" or "unstable alliance" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patchy relationship" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun (e.g., friendship, alliance) to indicate that the relationship is not consistent or smooth. As noted by Ludwig, its usage suggests an element of irregularity or unevenness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patchy relationship" is a grammatically correct, though infrequently used, way to describe a connection characterized by inconsistency or unevenness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately conveys the idea of a relationship that fluctuates between positive and negative periods. While suitable for general usage, especially in news and media contexts, it's crucial to consider whether a more precise term such as "inconsistent" or "unstable" would better suit the context. When aiming for formality, replacing the term with "inconsistent dynamics" or "unstable alliance" could enhance the sophistication of your writing. The phrase is neutral in register, allowing for broad applicability, but careful consideration of the audience and purpose is still warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistent relationship

Focuses on the lack of regularity and predictability in the relationship.

unstable relationship

Highlights the lack of security and potential for abrupt changes in the relationship.

uneven relationship

Emphasizes the imbalance and lack of uniformity in the dynamics of the relationship.

erratic relationship

Suggests unpredictable and irregular behavior within the relationship.

sporadic relationship

Indicates infrequent and intermittent interactions or connections.

hit-or-miss relationship

Implies that the positive experiences in the relationship are not consistent or guaranteed.

up-and-down relationship

Refers to the fluctuating nature of the relationship with periods of good and bad times.

fragile relationship

Highlights the vulnerability and susceptibility to damage in the relationship.

tenuous relationship

Suggests a weak and easily disrupted connection.

shaky relationship

Conveys a sense of instability and uncertainty about the future of the relationship.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "patchy relationship"?

A "patchy relationship" indicates that the connection is inconsistent, with periods of closeness or good interaction interspersed with periods of distance, conflict, or neglect.

What are some synonyms for "patchy relationship"?

Alternatives for "patchy relationship" include "inconsistent relationship", "unstable relationship", or "erratic relationship".

How can I improve a "patchy relationship"?

Improving a relationship described as "patchy" requires consistent effort, open communication, and a willingness to address underlying issues causing the inconsistency.

Is "patchy relationship" always a negative term?

While "patchy relationship" often implies challenges and inconsistencies, it doesn't necessarily mean the relationship is entirely negative. It simply acknowledges its uneven nature, and the relationship may still hold value for those involved.