strained relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"strained relationship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means a relationship that is difficult, tense, or uneasy. Example: Sarah had to deal with her parents' strained relationship growing up.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2016, my already strained relationship with my smartphone threatened to disintegrate completely.

The New Yorker

José's forebears had a storied, if strained, relationship with New York.

The New Yorker

It's also another blow to the already strained relationship between Red Bull and Renault.

BBC

Strained relationship.

Huffington Post

Meghan Markle and Thomas Markle have an apparently strained relationship.

HuffPost

Leachman will guest as Maddie's (Kirstie Alley) mother who has a... strained relationship with her daughter.

Huffington Post

Such adversities include barrenness, loss of fetus, strained relationship between spouses and even death.

BMC Medical Ethics

A strained relationship existed betw.

The New Yorker

And so began a strained relationship.

The Guardian

The American president has a strained relationship with the media.

The Guardian

Google has had a particularly strained relationship with China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strained relationship", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it tension, difficulty, or potential breakdown? Choose synonyms or related phrases to add precision.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "strained relationship" in your writing. Vary your language with phrases like "tenuous connection" or "difficult rapport" to keep your prose engaging and nuanced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strained relationship" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often describes the state of connection between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strained relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a difficult or tense connection between individuals or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts. As demonstrated by the numerous examples from Ludwig, the phrase appears most often in News & Media, but also has a presence in Science, Formal & Business contexts, and even Wiki entries. When using this phrase, consider the specific type of difficulty and explore synonyms like "difficult relationship" or "tense relationship" for added precision. Be mindful of overusing it and strive for varied language in your writing. "Strained relationship" serves to highlight a problem, express concern, or provide context for understanding difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Difficult relationship

Emphasizes the challenges and hardships within the relationship.

Tense relationship

Highlights the presence of tension and unease between the parties.

Uneasy relationship

Focuses on the lack of comfort and security in the interaction.

Friction-filled relationship

Draws attention to the frequent clashes and disagreements.

Troubled relationship

Suggests a deeper level of distress and potential instability.

Contentious relationship

Implies a tendency towards arguments and disputes.

Fractious relationship

Highlights the irritability and tendency to disagree.

A relationship under pressure

Indicates external forces impacting the relationship negatively.

A relationship on the rocks

Suggests the relationship is close to failing or ending.

Deteriorating relationship

Focuses on the decline and worsening condition of the bond.

FAQs

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

You can use "strained relationship" to describe a difficult or tense connection between people, groups, or entities. For instance, "The company had a strained relationship with its suppliers due to late payments."

What are some synonyms for "strained relationship"?

Alternatives to "strained relationship" include "difficult relationship", "tense relationship", "uneasy relationship", or "troubled relationship". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "strained relations" or "strained relationship"?

"Strained relations" is generally used to describe the relationship between groups or countries, while "strained relationship" is more commonly used for interpersonal connections. Both are correct, but their application varies based on context.

What causes a "strained relationship"?

A "strained relationship" can arise from various factors, including miscommunication, conflicting goals, unmet expectations, or a history of negative interactions. It indicates a level of discomfort or tension that hinders positive engagement.