tenuous relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenuous relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship or connection that is not strong or evident. For example, "The tenuous relationship between the two political parties was made evident by the lack of cooperation during the budget negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deena Drewis explores the tenuous relationship between writers and editors.

The New Yorker

Tells about Stuie's tenuous relationship with his father.

The New Yorker

Their disagreement served as fitting punctuation for a tenuous relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

The important thing was to react correctly to his tenuous relationship with the truth.

The Washington Post

Kashmir's tenuous relationship with Delhi lies at the heart of its political problems, the report says.

The New York Times

How much would a Bain Capital candidacy threaten this tenuous relationship?

The New Yorker

Knowing we violated that trust will drive a wedge in an already tenuous relationship.

The New York Times - Magazine

Several essays wrestle with the complicated, tenuous relationship between black and white Americans.

The New Yorker

Even Obama-era law enforcement officials had a tenuous relationship to reform.

The New York Times

On the one hand, he is trying to improve his tenuous relationship with Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

Searle examines the tenuous relationship between one's public and private personas.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship, consider the specific aspect that makes it tenuous. Is it a lack of trust, differing goals, or external pressures? Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "tenuous relationship". While it suggests instability, it does not automatically imply complete failure or collapse. Ensure the described consequences align with the actual degree of weakness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenuous relationship" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement within a sentence. It describes the nature of a bond or connection between two or more entities, emphasizing its fragility or lack of strength. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tenuous relationship" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a weak or unstable connection between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is indeed correct. It's widely used in news, academic, and professional contexts to highlight potential risks or instability within a given bond. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the factors that contribute to the tenuous nature of the relationship to provide greater clarity. Related phrases such as "fragile connection" or "unstable bond" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While widely accepted, remember to avoid exaggerating the consequences of the "tenuous relationship" and ensure your description aligns with the actual degree of weakness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak link

Directly points to the insufficient strength and reliability of the connection.

flimsy connection

Implies that the connection is weak and insubstantial.

fragile connection

Focuses on the vulnerability and easiness with which the connection can be broken.

loose tie

Suggests a connection that is not firmly established or maintained.

shaky alliance

Implies instability and a high risk of collapse in an agreement between parties.

strained relations

Indicates tension and difficulty in the relationship between individuals or groups.

unstable bond

Highlights the lack of security and potential for disruption in the connection.

precarious alliance

Highlights the riskiness and potential for failure in the agreement.

uncertain association

Emphasizes the ambiguity and lack of clarity in the link between entities.

delicate balance

Focuses on the easily disrupted equilibrium between two things.

FAQs

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

You can use "tenuous relationship" to describe connections that are fragile or unstable. For example, "The company has a "tenuous relationship" with its suppliers due to frequent disagreements over pricing".

What's a more formal way to say "tenuous relationship"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "unstable alliance" or "precarious connection" to convey a similar meaning with greater gravitas. However, "tenuous relationship" is already suitable for most formal situations.

What are some words that describe a "tenuous relationship"?

Words that can describe a "tenuous relationship" include "fragile", "uncertain", "shaky", "unstable", and "weak". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "tenuous relationship" and a "strained relationship"?

Yes, a "tenuous relationship" implies weakness or instability, while a "strained relationship" suggests tension and difficulty. A relationship can be both tenuous and strained, but they are not synonymous.