close relationship — strong bond
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
A situation where two people or groups know each other well, trust each other, and feel emotionally connected.
Say it like a native
Textbook They have cultivated an intimately interconnected interpersonal bond.
Native They have a close relationship.
'Intimately interconnected interpersonal bond' stacks jargon; 'a close relationship' is plain.
Pattern: have/build/maintain a close relationship (with someone)
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ She has a close relationship to her sister.
✓ She has a close relationship with her sister.
'A relationship WITH someone', not 'to'.
Common collocations
a close relationship with— with, have, build, between
Don't confuse it
A 'close relationship' is about emotional connection, not physical distance.