rocky relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rocky relationship" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a relationship that is unstable, tumultuous, or filled with frequent conflicts or difficulties. Example: "Despite their love for each other, their rocky relationship was constantly tested by their opposing personalities and constant arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They had a rocky relationship".

The New York Times

His rocky relationship with his fiancée?

The New York Times

It was often a rocky relationship.

The New York Times

Apparently that didn't help their already rocky relationship.

The New York Times - Arts

His rocky relationship with Marbury seems adequately patched.

The New York Times - Sports

Trade publications have reported a rocky relationship between the two.

The New York Times

But he had a rocky relationship with Ms. Bhutto.

The New York Times

The two had a rocky relationship which attracted much media attention until they split in 2009.

Independent

Mr. Karzai has had a rocky relationship with almost every other Western government figure here.

The New York Times

It was perhaps inevitable that Amazon would have a rocky relationship with book publishers.

The New York Times

Despite their rocky relationship, Bruyneel sent Schleck get-well wishes after his announcement Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rocky relationship" when describing a relationship characterized by frequent disagreements, instability, and challenges. This phrase is appropriate for both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "rocky relationship" as a catch-all term for any relationship with minor issues. Ensure that the problems are significant and persistent enough to warrant this description. For minor disagreements, consider using less severe terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rocky relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "rocky" modifies the noun "relationship". It describes the quality of the relationship, indicating it is fraught with difficulties. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to characterize relationships marked by conflict and instability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rocky relationship" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe relationships characterized by instability, frequent conflict, and difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "strained relationship" may be preferable in academic settings. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context to clarify the specific issues within the relationship and avoid using it as a vague descriptor for minor disagreements. The high expert rating confirms its reliability and appropriateness in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turbulent relationship

Emphasizes the instability and chaotic nature of the relationship.

strained relationship

Highlights the tension and pressure within the relationship.

difficult relationship

A more general term indicating challenges and hardships.

tumultuous relationship

Similar to turbulent, but with a stronger emphasis on emotional upheaval.

unstable relationship

Focuses on the lack of security and predictability.

fractious relationship

Highlights the tendency for disagreements and arguments.

contentious relationship

Emphasizes the presence of frequent disputes and conflicts.

troubled relationship

A broad term indicating problems and distress within the relationship.

stormy relationship

Suggests a relationship filled with emotional outbursts and dramatic events.

uneasy relationship

Implies a sense of discomfort and lack of trust between parties.

FAQs

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

You can use "rocky relationship" to describe any relationship marked by instability and conflict. For example: "Despite their initial attraction, they had a "rocky relationship" due to constant disagreements." or "The company has a "rocky relationship" with its suppliers."

What are some alternatives to "rocky relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "turbulent relationship", "strained relationship", or "difficult relationship". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the problematic relationship.

Is "rocky relationship" too informal for professional writing?

While "rocky relationship" is suitable for many contexts, consider the audience and the tone of your writing. In very formal settings, a phrase like "strained relationship" might be more appropriate, as it carries a slightly more professional tone.

What makes a relationship qualify as a "rocky relationship"?

A "rocky relationship" is characterized by frequent conflicts, instability, and difficulties that consistently challenge the bond between the involved parties. This goes beyond occasional disagreements and implies a pattern of problematic interactions.