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Grammar fix

close relationship

strong bond

A situation where two people or groups know each other well, trust each other, and feel emotionally connected.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • She has a close relationship with her grandmother and talks to her every day.family
  • In my opinion, having a close relationship with your parents can help you feel more supported during difficult times.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: have/build/maintain a close relationship (with someone)

WrongShe has a close relationship to her sister.

RightShe has a close relationship with her sister.

'A relationship WITH someone', not 'to'.

Patternhave/build/maintain a close relationship (with someone)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff They have cultivated an intimately interconnected interpersonal bond.

Natural They have a close relationship.

'Intimately interconnected interpersonal bond' stacks jargon; 'a close relationship' is plain.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a close relationship with
    withhavebuildbetween

Don't confuse it

A 'close relationship' is about emotional connection, not physical distance.

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