the relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you need to refer to a connection between two or more people, places, things, or ideas. For example: "The relationship between the two countries is becoming increasingly strained."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relationship is strained.

The New York Times

The relationship was doomed.

The New York Times

The relationship grew?

The New York Times - Arts

The relationship thawed.

Independent

And the relationship now?

The New Yorker

The relationship wobbles.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The relationship is progressing.

The New York Times - Arts

"Affirm the relationship".

The New York Times

The relationship started badly.

The Economist

The relationship is good".

The New York Times

The relationship never recovered.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "the relationship", be specific about the type of relationship you're describing (e.g., professional, personal, causal) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the relationship" without context; always clarify who or what is related to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The relationship suffered", specify "The relationship between the company and its customers suffered".

Linguistic Context

"The relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a state of connectedness or association between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and common in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the relationship" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a connection or association between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, followed by wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to specify the type of relationship being discussed to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary based on the context. Common alternatives include "the connection", "the association" and "the link".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the connection

Focuses more on the link or bond itself, rather than the ongoing interaction.

the link

Simplifies the concept to a basic connection point.

the bond

Emphasizes a strong emotional or personal connection.

the association

Highlights a formal or recognized link between entities.

the attachment

Indicates an emotional tie or dependence.

the dynamic

Refers to the interactive forces and patterns within the connection.

the interaction

Focuses on the actions and communications between those involved.

the partnership

Suggests a collaborative or cooperative arrangement.

the alliance

Implies a formal agreement or coalition.

the affair

Refers to a romantic liaison, typically secret or illicit.

FAQs

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

You can use "the relationship" to refer to a connection or association between two or more entities. For example, "The success of the project depends on "the relationship" between the team members."

What are some synonyms for "the relationship"?

Synonyms for "the relationship" include "the connection", "the association", and "the link", depending on the specific context.

How does "the relationship" differ from "a relationship"?

"The relationship" typically refers to a specific, already established connection, while "a relationship" refers to any connection or a new or unspecified one. For example, "I value "the relationship" we have built" versus "I am seeking to build a relationship with new clients".

When is it appropriate to use "the relationship" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "the relationship" in formal writing when referring to a clearly defined and relevant connection. Ensure that the context makes it clear what entities are involved in "the relationship".