ties that bind

USAGE SUMMARY

"ties that bind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase often used to describe the close relationship between two or more individuals who are bound together by ties of loyalty, family, or friendship. For example, "The couple shared a special connection—one of those ties that bind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ah, the ties that bind.

The New York Times - Books

But the ties that bind are shredding.

The Guardian

You have special ties that bind you.

The New York Times - Magazine

Eugene O'Neill on the ties that bind.

The New Yorker

There go the ties that bind.

The New York Times

Culture matters: the ties that bind U.S.-Japan relations.

Harvard University

The ties that bind, as we know, can also suffocate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Conservatives believe in the ties that bind us.

The New Yorker

14 9 2 TIES THAT BIND, by Phillip Margolin.

The New York Times - Books

There are other ties that bind beyond the commercial however.

The Guardian

Such are the invisible and cumbersome ties that bind.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ties that bind" when you want to emphasize the strength and importance of relationships or connections between people, groups, or ideas. It's particularly effective in highlighting shared values or common goals.

Common error

Avoid using "ties that bind" in overly casual or informal situations. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality, so reserve it for contexts where you want to emphasize the significance of the connections you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ties that bind" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies and emphasizes the connecting elements between people, concepts, or entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ties that bind" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the importance of connections and relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic and formal settings. When using this phrase, consider its somewhat formal tone and employ it in situations where you want to underscore the significance of the bonds you're describing. Alternatives like "bonds of connection" or "unifying relationships" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bonds of connection

Replaces "ties" with "bonds" and "bind" with "connection", emphasizing the relational aspect.

shared bonds

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the idea of common connections.

connections that unite

Emphasizes the uniting aspect of the connections, reversing the original structure for a slightly different emphasis.

unifying relationships

Highlights the relationship aspect and the act of unifying, simplifying the original phrase.

common links

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the idea of shared connections.

forces of cohesion

Shifts the focus to the elements that cause unity and togetherness, rather than the connections themselves.

emotional attachments

Specifies the nature of the ties as emotional, adding a layer of sentiment.

mutual obligations

Focuses on the responsibilities that come with close relationships, rather than just the connections themselves.

familial connections

Narrows the scope specifically to family relationships.

social fabric

Metaphorically refers to the interconnectedness of a community or society.

FAQs

How can I use "ties that bind" in a sentence?

You can use "ties that bind" to describe strong relationships or connections. For instance, "Family values are the "ties that bind" us together" or "Cultural heritage forms the "ties that bind" a community".

What are some alternatives to "ties that bind"?

Alternatives include phrases like "bonds of connection", "unifying relationships", or "shared bonds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ties that bind" a formal or informal expression?

"Ties that bind" is generally considered a somewhat formal expression, suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional writing. It might sound out of place in very casual conversation.

What is the significance of the phrase "ties that bind"?

The phrase "ties that bind" emphasizes the importance and strength of the relationships or connections being described. It suggests that these "ties that bind" are crucial for maintaining unity, loyalty, or shared identity.