a string of affairs

USAGE SUMMARY

'a string of affairs' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'a string of affairs' to describe a series of related events or occurrences that happen over a period of time. For example, "Alex went through a string of affairs before finally deciding to settle down with his wife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The admission comes after the 38-year-old singer apologised for having a string of affairs behind his wife's back.

Independent

As a freelance director I used to be a commitment-phobe – it was like having a string of affairs.

The Guardian

He enjoys a string of affairs as a young man, even abducting a ten-year-old girl so he can mould her into the perfect life-companion.

The Economist

In interviews, he admitted to a string of affairs with young employees, and sharing offensive office banter with male and female staffers.

Independent

The shy, upper-class girl soon discovers the delights of growing up, and has a string of affairs that are unusual for a girl in 1920s England.

The Guardian - Books

Lamont said the case of Tiger Woods, who was revealed in 2009 to have had a string of affairs, would have played out differently here.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Why did forty million people tune in to hear Woods, in 2010, offer a grovelling public apology for a string of extramarital affairs?

The New Yorker

The couple's sexual relations were more or less over after the war, and it was the short, bespectacled Sartre who enjoyed a string of ardent affairs.

The Guardian - Books

In Wong's next film, 2046 (2004), a sequel to In the Mood for Love, Chow tries to forget his love for Su by engaging in a string of short affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What has not previously emerged is that his autobiography also describes a string of heterosexual affairs that began when he was 16. "The first time was with the mother of a girl I was flirting with - a very attractive lady.

The Guardian

In a performance that was at turns sober, earnest and vulnerable, Woods, 34, took another step in the atonement for a string of extramarital affairs that erupted into a scandal that cost him millions of endorsement dollars while shattering the illusion of an idyllic Woods family life.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone; this phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying infidelity or moral failing. Use it judiciously depending on your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "a string of affairs" to describe a single instance of infidelity or scandal. The phrase indicates a pattern or series of events, not a one-time occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of affairs" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a series of connected romantic relationships, typically implying infidelity or scandal. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a string of affairs" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a series of related romantic relationships, often with negative connotations of infidelity or scandal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While neutral in register, it is important to consider the tone and ensure the context justifies the implication of multiple and possibly illicit relationships. Be aware that it indicates a pattern, not a single incident. Consider alternatives like "multiple liaisons" or "series of relationships" to adjust the tone or emphasis as needed. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of love affairs

Directly indicates several love affairs.

run of love affairs

Suggests a continuous period of love affairs.

multiple liaisons

Emphasizes the romantic or sexual nature of the relationships, using a more formal term.

series of infidelities

Highlights the betrayal aspect, suitable when discussing marital relationships.

succession of relationships

Neutral term emphasizing the sequential nature of the relationships without specific connotation.

sequence of scandals

Focuses on the scandalous or controversial nature of the events, rather than just the relationships themselves.

chain of romantic entanglements

Adds a sense of complexity and involvement to the description of the relationships.

number of flings

Refers to brief, casual relationships, implying a lack of seriousness.

parade of lovers

Suggests a public or widely known series of affairs, with a slightly dramatic flair.

history of dalliances

Implies casual and playful romantic encounters, often short-lived.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "a string of affairs" in a sentence?

Use "a string of affairs" to describe a series of related romantic relationships or scandals, often implying infidelity or misconduct. For example, "The politician's career was ruined by a string of affairs."

What are some alternatives to "a string of affairs" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "multiple liaisons", "series of infidelities", or "succession of relationships".

What's the difference between "a string of affairs" and "a series of relationships"?

"A string of affairs" often implies infidelity or scandal, while "a series of relationships" is more neutral and can refer to any sequence of romantic connections.

Is "a string of affairs" always negative in connotation?

Yes, "a string of affairs" generally carries a negative connotation, suggesting moral failings, infidelity, or scandalous behavior. The alternative "succession of relationships" is a neutral alternative.