reciprocal alliance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reciprocal alliance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mutual agreement or partnership between two parties that benefits both sides. Example: "The two countries entered into a reciprocal alliance to enhance their economic and security cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the hard-to-crack U.S. market, Man U has a marketing joint venture with the New York Yankees, an arrangement that Kenyon describes as "much more a reciprocal alliance than a revenue-led venture".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The regulation of marriage practices probably evolved later, further establishing more complex between-group reciprocal alliances, and creating the variety of meta-group social dynamics characteristic of modern humans.

Plosone

It is an indication of negotiation between kin groups and the recognition of a continued set of obligations and reciprocal transactions (alliance) between the families.

Plosone

Travelers with elite status on one airline can also take advantage of another benefit of the alliances — reciprocal recognition of that status by other members, which means priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, and access to partners' airport lounges.

The New York Times

Chimpanzees exhibit complex social strategies such as cooperation in combat and the cultivation of coalitions and alliances via ranging together, reciprocal grooming, and the sharing of meat (sometimes in exchange for mating opportunities).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Alliance formation fundamentally differs from reciprocal exchange in important respects.

Plosone

Although this could change when and if US Airways merges with American Airlines (since USAir will presumably join the OneWorld alliance), as of this writing United and US Airways offer reciprocal privileges with each other and with Star Alliance lounges throughout the world.

Huffington Post

Thereby, they can take different forms such as strategic alliances, joint ventures, franchising, long-term marketing and licensing contracts, reciprocal trade agreements, R&D partnerships, buyer-supplier relationships, director interlocks, investment bank ties, personnel movement links or cross-patent citation ties (Gulati et al. 2000, p. 203; Zaheer et al. 2010, p. 62).

Journal of Organization Design

The agreement spelled out reciprocal commitments, including pledges to respect Laotian neutrality, to refrain from forging military alliances with the country, establishing bases on its territory or interfering in its internal affairs.

The New York Times

One reason you view the alliance as no longer in Australia's interest is that it's not truly reciprocal anymore — the US would not militarily intervene on Australia's behalf the way Australia has followed the US.

Vice

Engagement is reciprocal.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

"Reciprocal alliance" is best suited when describing formal agreements or partnerships that are mutually beneficial and involve ongoing collaboration, not one-off exchanges.

Common error

Avoid using "reciprocal alliance" to describe casual agreements or informal collaborations. The phrase implies a structured and binding partnership, not just a friendly exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reciprocal alliance" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific type of agreement or relationship characterized by mutual benefit and obligation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reciprocal alliance" is a grammatically sound phrase denoting a mutually beneficial agreement between parties. While not extremely common, as per Ludwig, it finds use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. When employing this term, ensure the context appropriately reflects the structured and mutually advantageous nature of the partnership. Alternatives like "mutually beneficial arrangement" or "strategic partnership" can be suitable substitutes depending on the desired nuance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct, and it's essential to avoid using it in informal settings or when describing casual agreements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocal agreement

Focuses on the agreement aspect, without emphasizing a formal 'alliance'.

mutually beneficial arrangement

Directly states the mutual benefit, less formal than "alliance".

collaborative partnership

Emphasizes the collaborative nature and partnership aspect.

mutual cooperation

Focuses on the cooperative aspect, omitting the formal agreement implied by "alliance".

cooperative agreement

Stresses the cooperative nature of the understanding, similar to 'mutual cooperation'.

bilateral agreement

Highlights the agreement aspect between two parties, without explicitly mentioning the mutual benefit.

joint venture

Implies a specific business-oriented collaboration for mutual profit.

strategic partnership

Highlights the strategic goals of a collaborative relationship.

symbiotic relationship

Highlights the mutually beneficial nature, often in a biological or abstract context.

interdependent collaboration

Emphasizes the reliance on each other for successful collaboration.

FAQs

How can I use "reciprocal alliance" in a sentence?

You might say, "The two nations formed a "reciprocal alliance" to address shared security concerns" or "The companies entered into a "reciprocal alliance" to expand their market reach".

What's a good alternative to "reciprocal alliance"?

Depending on the context, you could use "mutually beneficial arrangement", "collaborative partnership", or "strategic partnership".

What distinguishes a "reciprocal alliance" from a simple agreement?

A "reciprocal alliance" typically involves ongoing commitments and mutual benefits, whereas a simple agreement might be a one-time transaction or less formal arrangement. An alliance suggests a deeper, more sustained partnership.

Is "reciprocal alliance" the same as "strategic alliance"?

While related, a "strategic partnership" emphasizes the strategic goals, while a "reciprocal alliance" highlights the mutual benefits and obligations between the parties. Both involve cooperation, but the focus differs.