small relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is minor or not very significant in nature. Example: "Despite their small relationship, they still enjoyed each other's company during the occasional meetups."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It was really just a small relationship.

The New York Times

"It was the best small relationship film I had seen in a long time," Mr. Gross said.

The New York Times

(Ms. Mailer knew from steam heaters. She'd already had a small relationship with Bill Clinton, before he'd married Hillary).

The New York Times - Books

I'm not ashamed to admit there have been plenty of small relationship flicks I've ultimately interrupted with "Ugh, leave me alone, I've got my own problems!" Luckily, this is not one of those times.

The Guardian - Film

"That small relationship we expect to see correlated with reduced I.Q., with poor performance in school, with some abnormality in growth, particularly sexual maturation, and increased susceptibility to certain chronic diseases such as thyroid disease and diabetes," said Dr. David Carpenter, of the public health school at the State University in Albany.

The New York Times

"Will you commit to adopting a formal policy that ensures responsible lending in your bank's business with the gun industry?" Jamie Dimon responded that JPMorgan has "a very small relationship with gun manufacturers," and added that he would be willing to consider adopting a formal policy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Structure versus property (small-scale) relationship enters when something interesting is going to happen in a biosystem.

Biosystems

But music is everywhere now, and each of us has many more small relationships with it.

The New York Times - Arts

"When you step back and look at the whole system, perhaps a few small relationships don't count for much," Ms. Newman said.

The New York Times

As evidence for discriminant validity, safety climate was unrelated to most demographic measures and had relatively small relationships with sleeping problems and negative mood.

Safety Science

In my firm, we're chatting face to face and working small, relationship-building projects with multiple family office leads every day, but it still takes a while to organize even old-fashioned club investment deals.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "small relationship", ensure the context clearly indicates the limited scope or significance of the relationship being described. This helps avoid ambiguity and accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "small relationship" when the connection is actually substantial or significant. This can mislead the audience and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "relationship". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and functions to describe the nature of a connection between individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small relationship" is grammatically correct and serves to describe a connection that is limited in scope or significance. Ludwig AI identifies its primary contexts as Science and News & Media, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase itself is straightforward, understanding its nuances is key to employing it effectively in writing. Alternatives like "minor connection" or "slight association" can provide more specific connotations. When using "small relationship", be mindful of accurately representing the degree of connection to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor connection

Emphasizes the insignificance or limited scope of the link.

limited involvement

Highlights the restricted participation or engagement in a particular matter.

tenuous link

Suggests a fragile or weak connection that may not be reliable.

slight association

Implies a subtle or minimal correlation between two or more things.

casual acquaintance

Refers to a superficial or non-intimate familiarity between people.

brief interaction

Highlights the short duration and limited impact of the contact.

superficial bond

Indicates a lack of depth or emotional investment in the connection.

modest affiliation

Denotes a limited or humble association with an organization or group.

fleeting contact

Emphasizes the temporary and insubstantial nature of the interaction.

peripheral tie

Suggests a connection that is not central or essential to the main focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "small relationship" to describe a connection that is minor or not very significant. For example: "Despite their "small relationship", they still enjoyed each other's company during the occasional meetups."

What can I say instead of "small relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "minor connection", "limited involvement", or "slight association" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "small relationship" in formal writing?

Yes, "small relationship" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it accurately reflects the limited nature of the connection being described. Be mindful of the audience and context to ensure clarity.

What's the difference between "small relationship" and "intimate relationship"?

"Small relationship" implies a connection that is minor or superficial, while "intimate relationship" suggests a deep and personal connection. They are antonyms.