an intimate setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an intimate setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cozy, private, or personal environment, often in contexts like dining, gatherings, or romantic occasions. Example: "The restaurant offers an intimate setting, perfect for couples celebrating anniversaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He envisions an intimate setting.

The New Yorker

It is an intimate setting for 20,000 seats.

The Washington Post

It's a moving presentation in an intimate setting.

The New York Times

Campuses provide an intimate setting for learning and interaction.

University of California, Berkeley

Dancers and choreographers cheerfully collaborate in an intimate setting.

The New York Times

The small cohort sizes provide an intimate setting for academic inquiry.

Stanford University

The Old Corner House was an intimate setting for Rockwell's work.

The New York Times

In such an intimate setting it feels like one big party.

The Guardian - Travel

VOULA At this West Village newcomer, traditional Greek fare is served in an intimate setting.

The New York Times - Food

"Dance on a Shoestring" features small-scale classical and contemporary works in an intimate setting.

The New York Times

Buying people's lives in an intimate setting is not something many people have the stomach for.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an intimate setting" to describe venues or situations where privacy and closeness enhance the experience, such as small concerts, private dinners, or personal discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "an intimate setting" when a simpler adjective like "small", "private" or "cozy" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an intimate setting" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun, providing details about the atmosphere or environment, as seen in Ludwig's examples like, "Campuses provide an intimate setting for learning and interaction."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science & Research

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an intimate setting" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that describes a place or situation fostering closeness and privacy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and travel. While versatile, overuse should be avoided. Alternatives like "a cozy atmosphere" or "a private environment" can offer nuanced variations. The phrase maintains a generally neutral register, making it appropriate for broad audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cozy atmosphere

Focuses on the feeling of warmth and comfort rather than privacy or small size.

a comfortable ambiance

Highlights the pleasantness and ease of the surroundings.

a private environment

Emphasizes seclusion and lack of public access rather than the emotional tone.

a relaxed atmosphere

Emphasizes the lack of formality or tension in the environment.

a personal space

Highlights individual comfort and privacy, potentially within a larger setting.

a welcoming space

Highlights the hospitality and openness of the setting.

a close-knit environment

Focuses on the sense of community and connection, typically within a group.

a charming locale

Focuses on the attractiveness and appeal of the place.

a secluded location

Stresses the physical isolation of the place, not necessarily its emotional atmosphere.

a confidential atmosphere

Emphasizes the privacy and discretion associated with the environment.

FAQs

How to use "an intimate setting" in a sentence?

"An intimate setting" is used to describe a place or situation that is private, cozy, and conducive to close interaction. For example, "The restaurant provides "an intimate setting" for a romantic dinner".

What can I say instead of "an intimate setting"?

You can use alternatives like "a cozy atmosphere", "a private environment", or "a personal space" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "an intimate setting" or "a intimate setting"?

"An intimate setting" is correct. The word "intimate" begins with a vowel sound, so it requires the article "an" instead of "a".

What's the difference between "an intimate setting" and "an informal setting"?

"An intimate setting" implies privacy and closeness, whereas "an informal setting" suggests a relaxed and casual atmosphere without necessarily being private.