a serious relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"a serious relationship" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a committed and long-term romantic connection between two people. This phrase can be used in various contexts to describe the nature of a relationship or to discuss its dynamics. Example: "As the article discusses, trust and communication are crucial for maintaining a serious relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He called it a serious relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

I was always ready for a serious relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It makes people talk about wanting a serious relationship.

The New York Times

It's not stupid to want a serious relationship; it's human.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that was a serious relationship – we're now married.

The Guardian - Sport

Nyad has not had a serious relationship in decades.

The New Yorker

I'd had high school boyfriends but never a serious relationship.

The New York Times

Getting into a serious relationship didn't change things, either.

Independent

In June, they broke up because Miss First felt she wasn't ready for a serious relationship.

The New York Times - Style

When Andy Lutz, 36, started working there in 1990, he was in a serious relationship.

The New York Times

After three years, she was single again, after ending a serious relationship, and Mr. Egeth pounced.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the progression of a relationship, use "a serious relationship" to denote a stage characterized by commitment, exclusivity, and long-term intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious relationship" to describe casual dating or hookups. Ensure there's mutual understanding and commitment before labeling a relationship as serious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing states of being, desires, or past experiences related to romantic partnerships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious relationship" is a common way to describe a committed, long-term romantic partnership. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The examples provided highlight its versatility in different contexts, primarily within news and media, wiki entries, and scientific discussions. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of commitment and long-term potential, differentiating it from more casual dating scenarios. Alternatives like "a committed relationship" or "a long-term relationship" can be used to further emphasize specific aspects of the connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a committed relationship

Emphasizes dedication and mutual investment in the relationship.

a long-term relationship

Highlights the duration and future outlook of the relationship.

a meaningful relationship

Focuses on the emotional depth and significance of the connection.

an exclusive relationship

Stresses the aspect of being the only partner for each person involved.

a stable relationship

Highlights the consistency and reliability within the relationship.

a loving relationship

Emphasizes the affection and care shared between partners.

a deep connection

Focuses on the profound understanding and emotional intimacy shared.

a significant partnership

Highlights the importance and impact of the relationship on both individuals' lives.

an intimate relationship

Stresses the emotional and/or physical closeness between the partners.

a close bond

Focuses on the strong connection and affinity between the individuals.

FAQs

How can I tell if I'm in "a serious relationship"?

Signs include consistent communication, mutual commitment, long-term planning, and emotional investment. Open communication with your partner is key to understanding where you both stand.

What are some alternatives to saying "a serious relationship"?

You can use phrases like "a committed relationship", "a long-term relationship", or "a meaningful relationship" depending on the context.

Is "a serious relationship" the same as marriage?

No, "a serious relationship" doesn't necessarily mean marriage. It implies a deep commitment, but marriage is a formal, legal commitment that may or may not be the next step.

What are the key elements of "a serious relationship"?

Key elements include trust, communication, respect, commitment, and shared values. Without these, maintaining a healthy and serious relationship becomes challenging.