soured relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"soured relationship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a relationship that has gone bad or has deteriorated for some reason. For example, "The increased communication demands in the workplace soured their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She is widely blamed for the president's soured relationship with the business community.

The New York Times

Nina then begins poking into Sophia's life, trying to understand what happened to both their soured relationship and her best friend.

The New York Times

Perhaps surprisingly for a Bush defender, he attributed the soured relationship in part to what he said was a secretiveness within the White House.

The New York Times

There is the continuing soured relationship between the governments and the peoples of Algeria and Egypt that escalated into diplomatic rows and international accusations.

The New York Times - Sports

The missing testimony encompassed character witnesses, information about Mr Gupta's soured relationship with Mr Rajaratnam, and, most intriguingly, the potential role of another person at Goldman who could have provided insider information.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Poor sleep can sour relationships.

University of California, Berkeley

Paranoia, too, has its costs, and it can sour relationships.

The New York Times - Health

That could benefit customers in the short run, but could sour relationships with suppliers.

The New York Times

"You fight back, 'Oh, it's obstruction.' " The Russia probe has also figured prominently in Trump's souring relationships with some former allies and confidants.

The Washington Post

Don't run the risk of souring relationships with your colleagues.

Forbes

The firms that do the cutbacks last will sour relationships with their investors and have a hard time raising another fund.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decline in a relationship, consider using "souring relationship" to emphasize the subtle yet negative transformation over time. This phrase is especially effective when highlighting initial positive dynamics that have deteriorated.

Common error

While "soured relationship" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal or overly emotional in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "strained relationship" or "deteriorating relationship" in such settings to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soured relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage as a descriptor for a relationship that has deteriorated. Examples show it describing personal, professional, and international dynamics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soured relationship" is a phrase used to describe a connection that has become unpleasant or negative over time. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, noting its prevalence across contexts such as news, personal stories, and even international relations. While grammatically sound and widely understood, the phrase may be perceived as slightly informal in formal settings, where alternatives like "strained relationship" might be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strained relationship

Focuses on tension and difficulty in the relationship, implying a loss of ease and comfort.

deteriorating relationship

Emphasizes the process of decline and worsening of the relationship over time.

damaged relationship

Highlights the harm or injury inflicted upon the relationship, suggesting a need for repair.

fractured relationship

Indicates a broken or fragmented connection, suggesting a significant division or separation.

ruptured relationship

Implies a sudden and forceful break in the relationship, often due to a specific event or conflict.

acrimonious relationship

Highlights the bitterness and resentment present in the relationship, often characterized by hostility.

unhealthy relationship

Indicates that the relationship is detrimental to one or both parties' well-being.

bitter relationship

Similar to acrimonious, but emphasizes the lingering resentment and unhappiness.

troubled relationship

A more general term indicating difficulties and problems within the relationship.

failing relationship

Suggests the relationship is nearing its end and is unlikely to recover.

FAQs

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

You can use "soured relationship" to describe a situation where a previously good relationship has turned negative. For example, "The constant disagreements led to a "soured relationship" between the colleagues".

What are some alternatives to "soured relationship"?

Alternatives include phrases like "strained relationship", "deteriorating relationship", or "damaged relationship", each emphasizing different aspects of the relationship's decline.

Is "soured relationship" appropriate for formal writing?

While understandable, "soured relationship" might be perceived as informal in certain formal contexts. More neutral options like "strained relationship" or "deteriorating relationship" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "soured relationship" and "strained relationship"?

"Soured relationship" implies that the relationship has become unpleasant or disagreeable, whereas "strained relationship" suggests tension and difficulty without necessarily implying a complete loss of goodwill.