affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "affair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a romantic or sexual relationship, or to describe any kind of serious or important event or situation. For example: "The politician's affair with the intern caused a great scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair.

The Guardian

It would be far-fetched to describe the US and Britain's long-term relationship with Saudi Arabia as a love affair, although elements of romance, blind infatuation and lustful mutual gratification have never been entirely absent.

The Guardian

Those involved with the project declined to be interviewed, citing sensitivities in the Birmingham area in the wake of the Trojan horse affair at some schools.

The Guardian

Dislikes The press can be tricky, especially if you're having an affair, but I know that comes with the territory.

The Guardian - Money

Humiliated over his wife Iris's affair and the £50,000 loan she secured for her lover; embattled due to allegations about his financial dealings with property developers and revelations over his and his wife's parliamentary expenses, Robinson's position on the surface at least appears to be precarious.

The Guardian

Little Palm Grove, a sister resort 50 metres away, is a more private affair compared with Palm Grove's family-friendly environment but both have beautifully furnished cottages, reflecting the gorgeousness outside.

The Guardian - Travel

And, given the quality of many of the fall additions – Mulaney, Bad Judge – it's a situation that might not change any time soon.‬ The outstanding Showtime drama, which stars Ruth Wilson and Dominic West as the participants in the titular affair, both telling their side of the story as they saw it, hasn't been a ratings smash, though figures have been rising as the first season progresses.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Louise Mensch on her blog says the Guardian has not been honest about the affair.

The Guardian

"The Ukraine crisis is truly not a regional affair," she said, voicing incredulity that Putin's campaign could take place 25 years after Europe's division into two blocs ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Guardian

If Charles I owned a real Leonardo before he was executed in 1649, this means our national love affair with the Renaissance polymath has been going on for almost 400 years.

The Guardian - Arts

The strong and determined beat of the song and the lyrics ("Feeling it coming in the air, hear their screams from everywhere, I'm addicted to the thrill, of this dangerous love affair. Can't be scared when it goes down, got a problem tell me now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affair" to describe a relationship, consider the tone. It can imply secrecy, disapproval, or simply denote a romantic connection. Choose synonyms if a more neutral term is needed.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "affair" (a noun referring to an event or relationship) with "affect" (a verb meaning to influence). For example, "The scandal did not affect his career" is different from "The scandal was a messy affair".

Linguistic Context

The noun "affair" primarily functions as a referential term, denoting a specific event, situation, or relationship. It can describe a private matter, like a romantic liaison, or a public concern, as showcased in Ludwig's examples, thus acting as a subject or object within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "affair" is a versatile noun used to describe various situations, events, or relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed, especially in news and formal contexts. While often associated with romantic indiscretions, "affair" can also refer to public matters or social gatherings. To ensure accurate and impactful writing, consider the specific nuances of the context and avoid confusing "affair" with similar-sounding words like "affect". Using alternative terms, like "matter" or "liaison", can help convey the intended meaning with greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liaison

Specifically denotes a secret or romantic relationship, akin to one meaning of "affair".

fling

Suggests a brief and casual romantic encounter, similar to a short-lived "affair".

amour

A more romantic or dramatic term for a love affair, suggesting intense emotions.

matter

Refers to a subject or situation under consideration, similar to "affair" when discussing a specific issue.

indiscretion

Highlights the inappropriate or unethical nature of a relationship or action, reflecting a critical view of an "affair".

event

Describes a planned or significant occurrence, aligning with "affair" in the context of a social gathering or notable incident.

relationship

A broader term for a connection between individuals, which can encompass the romantic sense of "affair".

situation

Describes a set of circumstances, aligning with "affair" when referring to a complex or problematic scenario.

case

Refers to a specific instance or legal matter, paralleling "affair" in contexts involving investigations or disputes.

business

Implies a matter of concern or responsibility, akin to "affair" when discussing organizational or professional issues.

FAQs

How can I use "affair" in a sentence?

You can use "affair" to refer to a romantic relationship, as in "He had an "extramarital affair"". It can also describe a public matter, such as "The investigation into the matter is a complex affair".

What's the difference between "affair" and "liaison"?

"Affair" is a more general term for a situation or event, while "liaison" usually refers specifically to a secret or romantic relationship. "Affair" can also describe a matter of public interest, unlike "liaison".

Is "affair" always negative in connotation?

Not necessarily. While often used to describe scandals or problematic situations, "affair" can also refer to a social event or gathering without negative implications. The context determines the connotation.

What can I say instead of "love affair"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "romance", "relationship", or "amour". The best choice will depend on the specific nuances you want to convey.