shaky relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaky relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is unstable or uncertain, often indicating a lack of trust or communication. Example: "After several arguments and misunderstandings, they found themselves in a shaky relationship that needed serious attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal relationships

International relations

Business relations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Their daughter is the heart of their shaky relationship.

The Economist

But politicians have long had a shaky relationship with ordinary people.

The Economist

The Islamic Republic's shaky relationship with Iran's sense of nationalism should not be surprising.

The New York Times

His remarks were certain to further fray America's shaky relationship with Pakistan, a nominal ally.

The New York Times

For some couples, a shaky relationship now seems preferable to divorce.

The New York Times

But any official alliance would compromise India's own shaky relationship with China.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Pretty much all the adored monsters of rock had shaky relationships with the press.

The Guardian - Music

He was apparently disturbed, a man with shaky relationships and a malevolence toward Jews, threatening them and others on the campus in Middletown, Conn., in a journal he kept.

The New York Times

Eventually, Carolyn and Kesey fell out and it's somewhat typical of her that she had shaky relationships with nearly all the Beats who made it through the 60s.

Vice

Lobbyists have shaky relationships with the public's trust.

WikiHow

Arab and Muslim leaders are worried that the project will strain the sometimes-shaky relationship between their communities and the local police.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shaky relationship", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Fragile" implies delicacy, while "unstable" suggests a higher risk of collapse.

Common error

Avoid using "shaky relationship" repeatedly in a short passage. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "fragile", "tenuous", or "unstable" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaky relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "shaky" modifies the noun "relationship". It describes the quality or state of the relationship, indicating its instability or uncertainty. Ludwig examples confirm its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

The Guardian - Music

2%

The Guardian - Sport

2%

Evolution: Education and Outreach

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaky relationship" is a common and acceptable way to describe an unstable or uncertain connection, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to consider the specific context and desired nuance when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "fragile relationship" or "unstable relationship" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Remember to avoid overuse and maintain variety in your writing. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media. Overall, "shaky relationship" is a versatile and understandable phrase for describing connections in distress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile relationship

Emphasizes the delicacy and ease with which the relationship could be damaged.

unstable relationship

Focuses on the lack of stability and potential for sudden changes or collapse.

tenuous relationship

Highlights the weakness and lack of solid foundation of the relationship.

precarious relationship

Implies a sense of danger and the risk of imminent failure.

troubled relationship

Indicates that the relationship is experiencing difficulties and problems.

strained relationship

Highlights the tension and pressure existing within the relationship.

difficult relationship

Suggests challenges and obstacles in maintaining a positive connection.

stormy relationship

Implies emotional volatility and frequent conflicts within the relationship.

unsettled relationship

Focuses on the lack of resolution and lingering uncertainty.

rocky relationship

Suggests a relationship with ups and downs and inconsistent stability.

FAQs

What does "shaky relationship" mean?

A "shaky relationship" describes a connection that is unstable, uncertain, or faces difficulties. It often implies a lack of trust, communication, or security within the bond.

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

You can use "shaky relationship" to describe various types of connections, such as: "After several arguments and misunderstandings, they found themselves in a shaky relationship that needed serious attention."

What are some synonyms for "shaky relationship"?

Alternatives to "shaky relationship" include "fragile relationship", "unstable relationship", or "tenuous relationship". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "shaky relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "shaky relationship" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news or analytical contexts. However, in highly formal or academic settings, consider alternatives like "unstable relationship" or "tenuous relationship" for a more sophisticated tone.