relationship between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relationship between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the connection between two or more things. For example: "There is a strong relationship between regular exercise and improved physical health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now the relationship between S.R.O.

The New York Times

One, the relationship between parents and children.

The New York Times

What about the relationship between the Stooges?

The New Yorker

There is no relationship between the two.

The New York Times

There exists a symbiotic relationship between Boris and Harry.

The New Yorker

Is there any relationship between the two?

The Guardian

It's about the relationship between the two.

The New Yorker

"And the relationship between sin and dirt".

The New York Times - Food

But the relationship between us is fine.

The Guardian - Sport

And what is the relationship between them?

The Guardian

What's the relationship between shyness and introversion?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the connection between two distinct concepts, use "the relationship between" to clearly establish the focus on their interaction. For example, "The relationship between supply and demand influences market prices."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a relationship between two variables implies causation. Just because two things are related does not mean one causes the other. For instance, the relationship between ice cream sales and crime rates does not mean that ice cream causes crime.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relationship between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a noun phrase that describes the connection or association between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relationship between" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a connection or association between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the elements involved to avoid ambiguity, and be cautious about implying causation from correlation. Alternatives such as "connection between" or "association between" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Understanding its proper usage helps in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

connection between

Focuses on a link or association, often implying a cause-and-effect relationship or interdependence.

association between

Highlights a correlation or link, suggesting a pattern or frequent co-occurrence.

correlation between

Emphasizes a statistical relationship, where changes in one variable are linked to changes in another.

link between

Stresses a direct connection or pathway, often suggesting a causal relationship or dependence.

interplay between

Highlights the interaction and reciprocal influence of different elements.

interaction between

Focuses on the mutual influence and reciprocal actions of different entities.

tie between

Indicates a bond or connection, often implying a shared characteristic or common origin.

relevance between

Highlights the importance or significance of the connection between two things.

interdependence of

Emphasizes the mutual reliance and dependence of different elements on each other.

nexus between

Suggests a central point of connection or intersection between different ideas or entities, implying a complex and multifaceted relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "relationship between" in a sentence?

Use "relationship between" to connect two or more concepts or entities, indicating how they are related or interact. For example, "The study examined the "relationship between" poverty and education".

What is a more formal way to say "relationship between"?

In formal contexts, consider using "correlation between", "association between", or "interdependence of" as alternatives to "relationship between", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "relationship between" and "correlation between"?

"Relationship between" is a general term indicating any connection, while "correlation between" specifically implies a statistical relationship where changes in one variable are associated with changes in another. Understanding this nuance is crucial for accurate communication.

Is it always necessary to specify both elements when discussing the "relationship between"?

Yes, it's crucial to clearly identify both elements involved in the "relationship between" to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "There is a strong relationship", specify "There is a strong "relationship between" diet and health".