an intimate relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"intimate relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about a relationship that is close, personal, and trusting. For example, "John and Mary shared an intimate relationship before they got married."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they do suggest an intimate relationship.

The New Yorker

"It was an intimate relationship," she said.

The New York Times

It was an intimate relationship.

The Guardian

I had such an intimate relationship with Philip's physical manuscripts.

The New York Times - Arts

"I've certainly an intimate relationship with St Pancras," he laughs.

Independent

Many art fans value an intimate relationship with pages too.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's an intimate relationship that you can't ever quit".

The New York Times - Magazine

It is an intimate relationship of trust and mutual reliance.

The New York Times - Magazine

To disengage from an intimate relationship is always treacherous.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had an intimate relationship with the camera.

The Guardian

The Anuak have an intimate relationship with their landscape.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing personal connections, ensure that the phrase "an intimate relationship" accurately reflects the level of closeness, trust, and understanding involved. Avoid using it loosely for superficial connections.

Common error

Avoid using "an intimate relationship" as a default descriptor for all close relationships. Reserve it for situations where there's a significant level of emotional depth, vulnerability, and mutual understanding. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intimate relationship" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of connection or bond between entities, usually people. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intimate relationship" is a widely used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a close, trusting, and personal connection. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, signifying its versatility. When using the phrase, consider the level of closeness you wish to convey, and be aware of potential overuse. Consider alternatives like "a close bond" or "a deep connection" to add nuance. The phrase is versatile enough for a range of communications, from news reporting to scientific studies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close bond

Focuses on the emotional connection and attachment. It's less specific about the nature of the relationship.

a deep connection

Highlights the profound nature of the link. It is a general term applicable to various contexts.

a personal relationship

Emphasizes the individual and private aspect. It's broader and doesn't necessarily imply the same level of closeness.

a loving relationship

Specifically suggests affection and care. It's limited to relationships involving love.

a strong affinity

Highlights a natural liking and understanding. It might not encompass the depth of emotion in "an intimate relationship".

a special connection

Implies a unique and valued link. It's less descriptive about the type of relationship.

a close partnership

Focuses on collaboration and mutual goals. It's applicable in professional or personal settings but lacks the emotional depth.

a warm friendship

Suggests kindness and affection. It is limited to friendships and may not indicate romantic involvement.

a profound understanding

Highlights a deep level of comprehension. This phrase focuses on intellectual or emotional understanding, not necessarily a relationship.

a familial bond

Specifically refers to connections within a family. It's limited to family relationships.

FAQs

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

You can use "an intimate relationship" to describe a close, personal, and often romantic bond between two people. For instance, "They developed "an intimate relationship" after years of friendship".

What are some alternatives to "an intimate relationship"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "a close bond", "a deep connection", or "a personal relationship" to convey similar ideas.

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

While "an intimate relationship" is widely understood, consider the formality of your writing. In very formal contexts, more precise language may be required to specify the nature of the relationship, such as "a close professional collaboration" or "a deeply personal friendship".

What distinguishes "an intimate relationship" from a casual friendship?

"An intimate relationship" implies a higher degree of closeness, trust, and emotional vulnerability than a casual friendship. It suggests a deep understanding and connection between the individuals involved.