smooth relations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smooth relations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a harmonious or trouble-free relationship between individuals, groups, or countries. Example: "The two countries have maintained smooth relations despite their historical differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Diplomatic assets are deployed to smooth relations.

The Economist

Surprisingly, it could also smooth relations with the White House.

The Guardian - Opinion

China has vowed to smooth relations with the United States.

The New York Times

stressed the importance of smooth relations in a keynote luncheon speech.

The Washington Post

Farage contacted Lord to smooth relations as the Tories moved to woo him.

The Guardian

Senior politicians immediately welcomed the gesture, which could smooth relations between Dublin, Belfast and London.

The Guardian

At a more strategic level, they devise corporate initiatives to smooth relations with government.

The Guardian

Mr. Lewis has also been trying to smooth relations with regulators.

The New York Times

Their arrival could help smooth relations with some Northern Alliance factions.

The New York Times

Cameron tried to smooth relations with his coalition partners without making any specific concessions.

The Guardian

Mr Corbat's appointment, markets hoped, would accelerate cost cutting, smooth relations with regulators and boost profitability.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smooth relations" when you want to emphasize the effort to maintain a positive and untroubled connection between parties. This phrase is particularly useful in discussing diplomacy, business, and personal relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "smooth relations" to describe situations that are inherently volatile or contentious. Overusing this phrase in such contexts can sound dismissive or out of touch with the reality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth relations" functions as a noun phrase often used as the object of verbs like 'maintain', 'improve', or 'foster'. It describes the state of interactions between individuals, groups, or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth relations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is primarily employed to describe the state of harmonious interactions, particularly in contexts like news, media, and formal business settings. Alternatives such as "harmonious relations" or "cordial relations" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and avoid applying it to inherently contentious situations. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmonious relations

Emphasizes the agreement and pleasing quality of the relationship.

cordial relations

Focuses on the warmth and politeness within the relationship.

amicable relations

Highlights the friendliness and absence of serious disagreement.

good rapport

Stresses a sympathetic and easy relationship.

positive interactions

Shifts focus to the beneficial and constructive nature of the interactions.

improved understanding

Centers on the advancement of mutual comprehension between parties.

strong alliance

Highlights the fortified bond and collaborative nature of the connection.

close cooperation

Underscores the teamwork and collaborative efforts within the relationship.

conflict resolution

Highlights the successful management and calming of disputes.

diplomatic breakthrough

Focuses on a significant achievement in international relations.

FAQs

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

You can use "smooth relations" to describe efforts to improve connections between groups. For example, "The diplomat worked to "smooth relations" between the two countries".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "smooth relations"?

Alternatives to "smooth relations" include phrases like "harmonious relations", "cordial relations", or "amicable relations", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it better to say "smooth relations" or "good relations"?

"Smooth relations" implies an effort to mitigate potential issues, while "good relations" simply states that the relationship is positive. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the effort involved.

When is it appropriate to use "smooth relations" in a professional context?

It is appropriate in discussions of diplomacy, business partnerships, or internal team dynamics, where the goal is to maintain positive and efficient interactions. For instance, "The merger aimed to "smooth relations" between the merged companies".