tormented relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"tormented relationship" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a relationship that is difficult or painful. Example: The couple had a tormented relationship, but they stayed together for the sake of their children.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The C.I.A. and its Pakistani counterpart, the Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence, have a long and often tormented relationship.

The New York Times

His exquisitely tormented relationship with the department he served for 31 years as firefighter, union president and commissioner gives rich texture to Mr. Von Essen's book.

The New York Times - Books

Paradoxically, Canvel's respectful, even worshipful approach to the filmmakers he admired makes him weirdly subordinate to them, even dependent on them — as is seen in the producer's tormented relationship with a megalomaniacal director whose free-spending ways and cavalier demands put him in increasingly tough financial straits yet never provoke him to push back significantly.

The New Yorker

WASHINGTON — America's tormented relationship with Pakistan has long had the subtlety of a professional wrestling match.

The New York Times

She even contemplated the tormented relationship of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes.

The New York Times

Stone's tormented relationship with his ex-wife makes him the id to Spenser's ego.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Singly, each piece is a gem to me: a gathering in of memory, affection, and gratitude, however tormented the relationships once were.

Huffington Post

The Aziz-Fielding relationship tormented Forster.

The Guardian - Books

But on the trip he was still tormented by his relationship with Berman.

The New Yorker

Mr. Dowd said Mr. O'Rourke was tormented by the relationship for years, was led to alcohol and drugs to "deaden the pain," and still had difficulty with sexual relationships and sexual functioning.

The New York Times

He is also tormented by agonised relationships with dad (Brian Dennehy) and brother (Wes Bentley).

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interpersonal dynamics, use "tormented relationship" to convey a sense of deep emotional suffering and persistent conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "tormented relationship" for minor disagreements or temporary difficulties. Reserve it for situations involving significant emotional distress and prolonged conflict.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tormented relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where "tormented" modifies the noun "relationship". The adjective intensifies the nature of the relationship, indicating significant emotional distress and conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tormented relationship" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in news and media contexts, to describe a connection characterized by intense emotional suffering and persistent conflict. Ludwig AI confirms it as usable in written English. While alternatives like "troubled relationship" or "difficult relationship" exist, "tormented relationship" specifically conveys a sense of anguish and profound distress. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations involving significant emotional turmoil, avoiding overuse in less intense circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

painful relationship

Focuses on the pain associated with the relationship, highlighting the emotional distress involved.

troubled relationship

Replaces "tormented" with "troubled", suggesting difficulty and problems but less intense suffering.

tumultuous relationship

Suggests a relationship marked by extreme agitation, excitement, or disturbance.

stormy relationship

Suggests a relationship filled with conflict and emotional turbulence.

strained relationship

Implies tension and a lack of ease or naturalness in the connection.

difficult relationship

Uses a more general term, "difficult", to describe the relationship, removing the implication of extreme emotional pain.

unhappy relationship

Uses a more general term, "unhappy", to describe the relationship, removing the implication of extreme emotional pain.

dysfunctional relationship

Suggests that the relationship deviates from healthy or normal patterns of interaction.

abusive relationship

Indicates a relationship characterized by harmful behavior, potentially physical or emotional.

lovesick relationship

Highlights the feelings of unrequited love, longing, and disappointment

FAQs

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

You can use "tormented relationship" to describe a connection characterized by intense emotional suffering and conflict, such as: "Their relationship was a "tormented relationship" marked by constant arguments and emotional abuse."

What are some synonyms for "tormented relationship"?

Alternatives include "troubled relationship", "difficult relationship", or "painful relationship". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tormented relationship" a formal or informal phrase?

"Tormented relationship" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing significant emotional distress. However, consider the audience and choose a more neutral term like "difficult relationship" if a less intense tone is desired.

What distinguishes a "tormented relationship" from a "difficult relationship"?

A "difficult relationship" implies challenges and obstacles, while a "tormented relationship" suggests a higher degree of emotional suffering, anguish, and persistent conflict.