an intimate event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intimate event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gathering or occasion that is private, personal, or characterized by close relationships among attendees. Example: "The couple decided to host an intimate event with only their closest friends and family to celebrate their anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is an intimate event and places are limited.

The Guardian

It was an intimate event at the Warehouse, Waterloo, with – possibly – more musicians than audience.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Hausam said he hoped each presentation would be "an intimate event where we break down the barriers between the audience and the artist".

The New York Times

But most at the Couples resorts decide to wed as Danielle and Tim Jennings did, an intimate event with the "free" ceremony and post-vows toast at the resort.

The New York Times

While planning the festival, Broumas asked Caroline Shaw — a New York-based musician and a winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music — what she would do if she had an intimate event space for an evening.

The Washington Post

For an intimate event like mine, we directly communicated with attendees via comment cards where they rated varying aspects of the event.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Attending a rally for Bernie Sanders usually involves long lines and security screenings, but that wasn't the case at an intimate, informal event Friday evening supporting the Vermont senator's presidential campaign in a park here.

Los Angeles Times

Each family encounter of this kind sometimes traumatic, sometimes cathartic, often a mixture of the two is an isolated, intimate event, yet from a million such moments a social force emerges, a gathering wave.

The New Yorker

Each family encounter of this kind — sometimes traumatic, sometimes cathartic, often a mixture of the two — is an isolated, intimate event, yet from a million such moments a social force emerges, a gathering wave.

The New Yorker

If your party is a small intimate event, a close-up table show would be perfect.

WikiHow

"This is a local, intimate event, but it has also become a premium event," said Zero Motorcycles Chief Executive Sam Paschel, whose company returns this year as a sponsor.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a wedding or party, using the phrase "an intimate event" can help communicate your desire for a smaller, more personal gathering. It sets expectations for guests regarding the scale and atmosphere of the occasion.

Common error

Don't use "an intimate event" if you're actually planning a large gathering. This will create a mismatch between expectations and reality, potentially disappointing guests who anticipate a smaller, more personal experience.

Linguistic Context

Adjective phrase modifying a noun. The phrase "an intimate event" functions as an adjective phrase that describes the noun "event". It specifies the character of the event as being personal, private, and characterized by close relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an intimate event" is a grammatically sound way to describe a gathering characterized by its small size and personal atmosphere. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usability in English. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in academic discussions and wikis. When using "an intimate event", it's important to ensure that the scale and nature of the gathering align with the expectations set by the phrase. Alternative phrases such as "a private gathering" or "a personal occasion" can be used to convey similar meanings, with subtle differences in emphasis. Remember to avoid using the phrase if the event is actually large, as this can lead to miscommunication and disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a private gathering

Focuses on the exclusivity and lack of public access to the event.

a personal occasion

Emphasizes the significance of the event to the individual or a small group.

a close-knit affair

Highlights the tight relationships and familiarity among the attendees.

an exclusive soiree

Suggests a higher level of sophistication and limited access.

a secluded celebration

Focuses on the privacy and isolation of the event from the public.

a small-scale get-together

Emphasizes the limited number of participants and casual nature.

a cozy function

Highlights the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the event.

a limited-attendance event

Focuses on the restricted number of people allowed to participate.

a hushed ceremony

Implies a quiet and respectful atmosphere, often used for solemn occasions.

a discrete meetup

Indicates that the event is conducted with careful regard to privacy and secrecy.

FAQs

How can I use "an intimate event" in a sentence?

You can use "an intimate event" to describe gatherings such as weddings, parties, or dinners. For example, "They decided to host an intimate event with only their closest friends and family".

What's a good alternative to "an intimate event"?

Alternatives include "a private gathering", "a personal occasion", or "a close-knit affair" depending on the context.

What does "intimate" really mean in the context of "an intimate event"?

In this context, "intimate" refers to the close relationships among the attendees and the personal, often private, nature of the gathering.

Is it appropriate to use "an intimate event" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate. While not overly formal, the phrase is suitable for both professional and personal contexts where you want to convey the idea of a small, personal gathering.