to form a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "to form a relationship" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to create or establish a connection or bond with someone. Example: It takes time and effort to form a relationship with a new colleague, but it is essential for a positive and successful work dynamic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You get to form a relationship," she says.

The Guardian - Arts

He hopes to form a relationship with the donor's family, which has chosen to remain anonymous.

The New Yorker

This, apparently, is when the real sparks flew, and they started to form a relationship.

The Washington Post

But Seaver said he had yet to form a relationship with the 24-year-old Harvey.

The New York Times - Sports

Ford wants to form a relationship with these younger buyers now and grow them up into our various brands".

The New York Times - Magazine

He was not trying to get her to behave as such; he simply wanted to form a relationship.

The Guardian

What if the Paraíba Riverscape is re-imagined to form a relationship between people and the river?

Columbia University

According to Jeff Walters of Targetbase, a Texan database-marketing firm, the aim is to form a "relationship".

The Economist

"The Bible shows us how to form a relationship with God," said Jeff Johnson, director of Children's Ministries at the Grace Episcopal Church in New York City.

The New York Times

Likely because of her early experience with the missionaries, Azalea sticks around to argue with him, and to form a relationship with him.

The Guardian - Books

She went on to form a relationship with a fellow soldier who also appears in some of the photographs from Abu Ghraib.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about establishing connections, use "to form a relationship" to emphasize the process of creating a bond between individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts. Consider the emotional and practical implications of the relationship being formed.

Common error

Avoid using "to form a relationship" as a placeholder for more specific actions. Instead of saying "the goal is to form a relationship", describe how the relationship will be established and what it will entail. Be precise and concrete in your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to form a relationship" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as a noun, adjective, or adverb within a sentence. It often serves to express purpose or intention, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to form a relationship" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies the act of creating a bond between individuals, entities, or concepts. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its primary function is to express intent or purpose, and it maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is particularly prevalent in “News & Media” and “Science” sources. When using "to form a relationship", it's important to be specific about the kind of connection you're trying to establish, avoiding vague language and focusing on concrete actions. Alternatives like "to build a connection" or "to establish rapport" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to build a connection

Focuses on the active process of creating a link or bond, often emphasizing emotional or personal aspects.

to develop a bond

Emphasizes the emotional connection that grows over time.

to establish rapport

Highlights creating a harmonious and understanding connection, particularly in professional or therapeutic settings.

to cultivate a relationship

Suggests a deliberate and ongoing effort to nurture and grow the connection.

to foster a connection

Implies creating an environment where a relationship can develop and thrive.

to create a link

More general and can refer to any type of connection, not necessarily a personal one.

to nurture a relationship

Focuses on taking care and growing an existing relationship. It's similar but with a slight difference.

to forge a relationship

Implies creating a strong, durable relationship, often in challenging circumstances.

to initiate a connection

Highlights the act of starting a relationship, often implying a formal or purposeful beginning.

to cement a relationship

Focuses on making a relationship strong and permanent, often through specific actions or agreements.

FAQs

How can I use "to form a relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "to form a relationship" to describe the act of creating a connection with someone or something. For example, "It is important to take time to "develop a bond" with a new pet".

What's a good alternative to "to form a relationship"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "to build a connection", "to establish rapport", or "to cultivate a relationship". Each option subtly shifts the emphasis of the connection being created.

Is it always appropriate to use "to form a relationship"?

While generally acceptable, consider the formality of the situation. In formal contexts, a more precise term like "establish a partnership" may be more suitable. However, in personal or informal settings, "to form a relationship" is perfectly fine.

What are some common misconceptions about "to form a relationship"?

A common misconception is that "to form a relationship" implies immediate success or positive outcomes. In reality, forming a relationship is simply the act of starting one, and it requires ongoing effort and may not always lead to the desired result.