B2 Collocation 正式 2分钟阅读

establish relationship

Create connection

Use this phrase to describe intentionally building a professional or serious connection with another person or group.

15秒了解

  • Starting a formal or professional bond with someone new.
  • Commonly used in business, networking, and diplomatic contexts.
  • Implies intentionality and building a foundation for the future.

意思

This phrase means starting a new connection or bond with someone. It is the process of turning a stranger into a partner, friend, or business contact.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

In a business meeting

Our goal this quarter is to establish a relationship with local vendors.

Our goal this quarter is to create a connection with local vendors.

💼
2

Writing a cover letter

I am eager to establish a relationship with your innovative team.

I am eager to start a connection with your innovative team.

👔
3

A teacher talking about students

It is vital to establish a relationship with students early in the year.

It is vital to create a bond with students early in the year.

🤝
🌍

文化背景

The phrase reflects the Western emphasis on 'networking' and 'social capital.' It gained massive popularity in the 1980s corporate boom as business became more about global partnerships than just local sales. It implies that connections are something you build through effort, not just luck.

💡

The 'A' Matters

Always remember the article! It is `establish a relationship` (singular) or `establish relationships` (plural). Never just 'establish relationship'.

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

Using this phrase in a romantic setting can make you sound like you're filling out a contract. Use `start dating` or `get to know` instead.

15秒了解

  • Starting a formal or professional bond with someone new.
  • Commonly used in business, networking, and diplomatic contexts.
  • Implies intentionality and building a foundation for the future.

What It Means

To establish relationship means you are building a bridge. It is not just meeting someone once. It is the active process of creating a solid link. You are laying the foundation for future interactions. Think of it like planting a seed. You want that seed to grow into something lasting. It is about trust and mutual understanding.

How To Use It

You usually use this in professional or serious settings. You do not just 'have' a relationship; you establish it. Use it when talking about goals or long-term plans. It works well with verbs like need to or aim to. For example, We need to establish a relationship with the new suppliers. It sounds proactive and intentional. It shows you are taking charge of the social situation.

When To Use It

Use this phrase in business meetings or networking events. It is perfect for LinkedIn summaries or job interviews. Use it when discussing diplomacy or community building. It also fits in academic writing or psychology contexts. If you are talking about a new client, this is your go-to phrase. It makes you sound like a professional who values people.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this at a loud bar with friends. It sounds way too stiff and robotic there. Imagine saying to a date, I want to establish a relationship with you. They might think you are a spy or a lawyer! Avoid it in very casual texts. Stick to get to know or start seeing for your personal life. Keep it out of situations that are purely one-time transactions.

Cultural Background

In Western business culture, 'networking' is king. People believe that 'who you know' is as important as 'what you know.' Therefore, establishing relationships is seen as a vital skill. It reflects a culture that values proactive social climbing and partnership. It moved from diplomatic language into the corporate world in the mid-20th century. Now, it is a standard 'buzzword' in every office from New York to London.

Common Variations

You will often hear establish a rapport for quick connections. Build a relationship is a slightly warmer, more common version. In formal documents, you might see cultivate a relationship. This implies more care and long-term effort. If you are talking about many people, use establish relations. All of these focus on the 'start' of the connection.

使用说明

This is a high-level collocation. It is firmly in the 'formal' and 'professional' register. Avoid using it in casual speech unless you are being intentionally ironic or humorous.

💡

The 'A' Matters

Always remember the article! It is `establish a relationship` (singular) or `establish relationships` (plural). Never just 'establish relationship'.

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

Using this phrase in a romantic setting can make you sound like you're filling out a contract. Use `start dating` or `get to know` instead.

💬

The 'Lunch' Secret

In English-speaking business culture, 'establishing a relationship' often involves a 'power lunch.' If someone wants to 'establish a relationship,' expect an invite for coffee or food!

例句

6
#1 In a business meeting
💼

Our goal this quarter is to establish a relationship with local vendors.

Our goal this quarter is to create a connection with local vendors.

Shows a clear professional objective.

#2 Writing a cover letter
👔

I am eager to establish a relationship with your innovative team.

I am eager to start a connection with your innovative team.

Makes the candidate sound serious and proactive.

#3 A teacher talking about students
🤝

It is vital to establish a relationship with students early in the year.

It is vital to create a bond with students early in the year.

Focuses on the importance of trust in education.

#4 Texting a friend about a crush (Humorous)
😄

I'm trying to establish a relationship here, but he won't text back!

I'm trying to start something here, but he won't text back!

The formal phrase used in a casual way creates a funny, dramatic effect.

#5 Discussing international politics
👔

The two countries are looking to establish a diplomatic relationship.

The two countries are looking to start a diplomatic connection.

Standard usage for high-level political contexts.

#6 A therapist talking to a client
💭

We need to establish a relationship based on honesty.

We need to create a connection based on honesty.

Sets the ground rules for a deep personal connection.

自我测试

Choose the best word to complete the professional goal.

The salesperson worked hard to ___ a relationship with the CEO.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: establish

`Establish` is the standard professional verb for starting a relationship.

Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.

You would most likely say 'establish a relationship' in a ___.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Boardroom

This phrase is formal and fits best in a professional setting like a boardroom.

🎉 得分: /2

视觉学习工具

Formality Scale of 'Starting a Connection'

Casual

Used with friends or family.

Get to know

Neutral

Used in general social settings.

Build a connection

Formal

Used in business and official settings.

Establish a relationship

Where to Establish Relationships

Establish Relationship
🤝

Networking Event

Meeting potential mentors.

💼

New Job

Connecting with your manager.

📈

Sales

Winning over a new client.

🌐

Diplomacy

Two nations signing a treaty.

常见问题

10 个问题

Not exactly. Establish a relationship is much more formal and usually implies a professional or functional purpose, whereas make friends is personal and casual.

It is possible but very rare and sounds quite clinical. You might say it when talking *about* a couple in a serious way, but rarely *to* your partner.

Establish focuses on the very beginning—the moment the connection is created. Build focuses on the ongoing process of making that connection stronger over time.

You must use an article. It is almost always establish a relationship or establish relationships.

It is too formal for parties, casual hangouts, or talking to children. In those cases, use meet people or get to know each other.

Yes! It is very common to say one company wants to establish a relationship with another company.

Usually, yes, but it can also be between organizations, countries, or even a person and a brand.

Good synonyms include form a connection, create a partnership, or develop a rapport.

Yes, it is very common in professional introductory emails, such as I am writing to establish a relationship with your firm.

Yes, establish suggests you want the connection to last for a while, not just for one day.

相关表达

Build rapport

Creating a quick sense of understanding and trust.

Forge a bond

Creating a very strong, often difficult-to-break connection.

Network with

Interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional contacts.

Cultivate a connection

Nurturing and growing a relationship over a long period.

有帮助吗?
还没有评论。成为第一个分享想法的人!

免费开始学习语言

免费开始学习