pre-existing relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pre-existing relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to refer to a relationship that existed before a certain point in time or event. Example: "The company must disclose any pre-existing relationship with the client to avoid conflicts of interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a pre-existing relationship with Ryan's mother.

The New York Times

And we did it because of a pre-existing relationship [with Jade].

The Guardian

"They had a pre-existing relationship and they wanted [to do] something like this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But they also bring a pre-existing relationship with the president.

The New York Times

Namely, the learning objects (items) themselves are evidence of a pre-existing relationship.

Knowledge-Based Systems

"We found that e-mail transactions and negotiations are most successful when the parties have a pre-existing relationship," Professor Valley said.

The New York Times

In addition, telemarketers who have a "pre-existing relationship with a customer, such as one's phone service provider, may phone customers on the list.

The New York Times

She certainly did not plan the admission, and may have no pre-existing relationship with the clinician she sees in the hospital.

Harvard Business Review

In the absence of a pre-existing relationship with a faculty member, applicants are asked not to contact faculty members directly.

Cornell University

A pre-existing relationship between an external investor and an entrepreneur can reduce monitoring costs, limit opportunistic behavior, and lower the initial cost of capital.

Columbia University

Additionally, I had never met this doctor before – why was he using a question formulation that implied a pre-existing relationship?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, "pre-existing relationship" clarifies that a bond or association existed before a transaction or agreement, which is crucial for compliance and transparency.

Common error

Don't automatically assume that "pre-existing" is always needed. If the context makes it clear that the relationship existed before, simply using "existing relationship" can be more concise and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pre-existing relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, modifying another noun or pronoun. It indicates a connection or association that existed before a specific event or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pre-existing relationship" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to denote a connection that existed before a specific event or time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, adding specificity to a subject by emphasizing that the relationship was already in place. Its usage spans across news, science, and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various settings. When using the phrase, ensure it adds relevant context and isn't redundant if the timeline is already clear. Alternatives like "prior relationship" or "existing relationship" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prior relationship

Replaces "pre-existing" with "prior", emphasizing the relationship's existence before a certain point.

Existing relationship

Omits "pre-", focusing on the relationship's current existence without explicitly stating its origin.

Established connection

Uses "established" to indicate a firm and long-standing relationship.

Previous association

Employs "association" to denote a formal or informal connection from the past.

Long-standing acquaintance

Highlights the duration of the relationship, implying familiarity over time.

Pre-established rapport

Focuses on the harmonious understanding and connection already present.

Historical ties

Suggests that the relationship is rooted in shared history or past events.

Past dealings

Emphasizes the prior interactions and engagements between parties.

Earlier involvement

Highlights previous participation or engagement in a shared activity or context.

Initial connection

Focuses on the very first link or bond that was established

FAQs

How to use "pre-existing relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "pre-existing relationship" to describe a connection that was already in place before a specific event or situation. For example, "The merger was easier due to the "pre-existing relationship" between the CEOs".

What can I say instead of "pre-existing relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "prior relationship", "existing relationship", or "established connection" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pre-existing relationship" or "existing relationship"?

Both "pre-existing relationship" and "existing relationship" are correct. "Pre-existing relationship" emphasizes that the relationship existed before a certain point, while "existing relationship" simply indicates that the relationship currently exists.

What's the difference between "pre-existing relationship" and "prior relationship"?

"Pre-existing relationship" and "prior relationship" are very similar. Both indicate that the relationship was in place before a specific event. "Prior relationship" might subtly emphasize the temporal aspect more directly.