professional relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "professional relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a formal or business-oriented connection between individuals, often in a work or academic context. Example: "Maintaining a professional relationship with clients is essential for the success of our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a different professional relationship".

Independent

It's more of a professional relationship.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have a really professional relationship.

The Guardian

"I've got a professional relationship with her.

The Guardian - Sport

We have a good professional relationship".

The Guardian

CubeSocial (Basingstoke, UK) Professional relationship management for social networks.

The Guardian - Tech

So we go to a different level of professional relationship".

The Guardian - Sport

We'd had a relatively distant professional relationship for many years.

The Guardian

Mr. Forsythe has a close professional relationship with Mr. Kelley.

The New York Times

It's a respectful but a professional relationship, nothing more.

The Guardian

Clark and Holbrooke developed a close personal and professional relationship.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Foster a "professional relationship" that values mutual respect, even amidst disagreements. Focus on the task at hand, maintaining composure and objectivity.

Common error

Don't let a "professional relationship" devolve into excessive familiarity or personal disclosures. Maintaining appropriate distance ensures impartiality and prevents conflicts of interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "professional relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in describing the nature of interactions within a professional setting, such as between colleagues or clients. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "professional relationship" is a grammatically sound and widely used term for describing connections formed in work or career-related settings. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, while Ludwig examples showcase its frequent appearance in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to clearly define boundaries and maintain mutual respect. Steer clear of blurring the lines between professional and personal interactions to ensure a productive and ethical environment. Considering related alternatives such as "business connection" or "working alliance" can provide nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

business connection

Focuses more on the commercial aspect rather than the broader professional dynamic.

working alliance

Emphasizes collaboration and mutual goals within the professional context.

occupational association

Highlights the link between individuals through their jobs or professions.

collegial association

Underscores the friendly and cooperative nature of the professional interaction.

formal collaboration

Stresses the structured and official nature of the joint effort.

employment-related interaction

Specifically ties the relationship to the employment setting.

job-based communication

Focuses on the exchange of information related to work tasks.

career-oriented contact

Highlights the professional development aspect of the relationship.

vocational bond

Suggests a shared commitment to a particular vocation or calling.

workplace rapport

Emphasizes positive feelings and mutual understanding in a working environment.

FAQs

How to use "professional relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "professional relationship" to describe the connection between colleagues, clients, or mentors. For example, "Maintaining a strong professional relationship with clients is crucial for business success."

What can I say instead of "professional relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "business connection", "working alliance", or "occupational association" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "personal professional relationship"?

While not inherently incorrect, saying "personal professional relationship" can sound redundant. It's usually sufficient to say "professional relationship" and clarify the degree of personal connection separately, if necessary.

What's the difference between a "professional relationship" and a friendship?

A "professional relationship" is primarily based on work or shared professional goals, while a friendship involves personal connection and emotional support. While a professional relationship can evolve into a friendship, the initial focus remains on professional interactions.