relations with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relations with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an existing relationship between two people or countries. For example, "The US has strained relations with North Korea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relations with Germany have warmed.

The Economist

Relations with Washington remain fraught.

The New York Times - Magazine

Relations with Croatia are cool.

The Economist

But relations with the neighbours were scratchy.

The Economist

Can relations with Pakistan be made productive?

The New York Times

Relations with China now are good.

The New York Times

His relations with Gorbachev were complicated.

Independent

Relations with the UN Security Council.

The Economist

Relations with the Philippines were also tense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Previously close relations with Syrian Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some here oppose relations with the U.S".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing international affairs, use “relations with” to accurately convey the nature of interactions between countries.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates what entities are having "relations with" each other to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relations with" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to specify the nature of interactions or connections between entities. It typically describes the state of affairs between two or more parties, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relations with" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe the interactions or connections between entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples from diverse sources like news outlets, encyclopedias, and business publications illustrate its widespread use. While generally neutral in tone, its application spans various contexts. When using "relations with", clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "relationship with" or "ties with" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relationship with

Focuses on a single connection instead of multiple interactions.

ties with

Emphasizes bonds or connections, often implying a sense of closeness or obligation.

dealings with

Refers to specific interactions or transactions, often in a business or formal context.

connections with

Highlights links or associations, often suggesting a network or system.

interactions with

Focuses on the act of communicating or engaging with someone or something.

liaisons with

Suggests a formal or official connection, often for communication or coordination.

engagement with

Highlights active participation or involvement with something.

alliance with

Denotes a formal agreement or partnership, often for mutual benefit or support.

interface with

Focuses on the point of contact or interaction between two systems or entities.

accord with

Emphasizes agreement or harmony between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "relations with" in a sentence?

You can use "relations with" to describe the connections or interactions between entities, such as "The company has strong "relations with" its suppliers."

What's a formal alternative to "relations with"?

In formal contexts, consider using "relationship with" or "dealings with" for a more professional tone.

How does "relations with" differ from "ties with"?

"Relations with" is a general term for interactions, while "ties with" suggests a stronger, more binding connection.

Is "relations with" appropriate for personal connections?

While technically correct, "relations with" is more commonly used for formal or professional connections. For personal connections, consider using "relationship with" or "connection with".