relations

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'relations' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a noun to refer to the way in which two people, groups, countries, etc., think and behave toward one another. For example, "The two countries are working to improve their diplomatic relations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All the people who form those relations to me make up my community and you assaulted every single one of them".

The Guardian

Kazakhstan, a country with a large Russian minority, has strong relations with Russia, China and the United States.

The Guardian

There will be all sorts of obstacles to the sort of Iranian-American relations that the Saudis fear.

The Guardian

Relations remain strained, even as Uzbekistan serves as a transit hub for the Afghanistan military withdrawal.

The Guardian

"Let me assure you that my government is committed to working closely with you and your government during your tenure and most importantly, in pursuit of our bilateral relations.

The Guardian

The protests were triggered by the Ukrainian government's decision to prioritise relations with Russia over integration into the European Union.

The Guardian

Throughout the rest of the year, and into early 2010, relations between Maliki and Assad remained toxic.

The Guardian

He has, without doubt, an innate gift for public relations.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an important signal of Australia's new engagement in international relations.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have women who are killed by their husbands but we don't have any legitimate terror offences... "Yet the amount of money put into negative policing and punitive measures has really soured relations between Muslim community and ramped up the sense of fear and isolation in the community".

The Guardian

"Deteriorating relations between the US and Russia over Ukraine, the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and rifts between the backers of Syria's fragmented opposition have sapped hope that a meaningful political process can take place.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about international affairs, specify the type of "relations" you're discussing, such as "diplomatic relations", "trade relations", or "cultural relations", to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "relations" when referring to a connection between two individual people. Use "relationship" instead. "Relations" usually refers to broader contexts, such as those between countries or groups.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "relations" is as a plural noun. It refers to the way in which two or more people, groups, or countries behave towards each other. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage as a noun in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "relations" functions as a plural noun describing the interactions between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, indicating a neutral register. Related terms include "relationships", "connections", and "interactions", each offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "relations", be precise in specifying the type of interaction to enhance clarity, and avoid confusing it with "relationship" when referring to connections between individuals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relationships

Focuses on the connection or association between individuals, groups, or things.

connections

Emphasizes the act or state of being linked or associated.

interactions

Highlights the mutual or reciprocal action, effect, or influence.

dealings

Refers to the way people or organizations behave towards each other.

affairs

Implies matters of public or private concern that involve multiple parties.

associations

Stresses the act of formally connecting or joining together.

interrelations

Highlights the mutual or reciprocal relationship or connection.

correspondences

Focuses on similarities or analogies between things.

linkages

Emphasizes the process or result of linking things together.

interplay

Highlights the way in which two or more things have an effect on each other.

FAQs

How is "relations" used in a sentence?

You can use "relations" to describe the way in which two or more people, groups, or countries behave toward each other. For example, "Improving diplomatic relations is crucial for international stability."

What are some alternatives to the word "relations"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "relationships", "connections", or "interactions".

When should I use "relations" instead of "relationship"?

"Relations" is generally used to describe connections between multiple entities, like countries or organizations, while "relationship" typically refers to a connection between two individual people.

Are "relations" always positive?

No, "relations" can be positive, negative, or neutral, depending on the context. For instance, you might speak of "strained relations" or "cordial relations".