an ongoing affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or relationship that is currently active and continuing over time, often in the context of romantic relationships or other long-term engagements. Example: "Their relationship was complicated, as it was revealed that he was involved in an ongoing affair with a colleague."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But she isn't the mother of most of your siblings, as I'm having an ongoing affair with Violet.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Gibbons has repeatedly denied he is having an ongoing affair, although he has not discussed or commented on any possible extramarital relationships in the past.

The New York Times

Whether Affleck's ad was the opening volley in a future courtship or a sly wink in the midst of an ongoing affair, his gesture should be judged by only one criterion: its success.

The New York Times - Magazine

In an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" scheduled to air next Tuesday, the veteran television news reporter Barbara Walters reveals that in the nineteen-seventies she had an ongoing affair with Republican Senator Edward Brooke, of Massachusetts, the first African-American to be elected to the Senate by popular vote.

The New Yorker

Such family conversations should be an ongoing affair, as should the maintenance of your estate plan.

Forbes

Her husband had an ongoing affair with her best friend, who bore him two children that Nesbit raised as her own.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A: Uhura has a major role, which has a lot to do with her ongoing affair with Spock.

Huffington Post

Ilka confides in Boots about her ongoing affair with a married man named William.

The New Yorker

I have an ongoing love affair with food.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Growing up in New York City, Katz had an ongoing love affair with dill pickles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet Americans in particular have enjoyed an ongoing love affair with royalty — perhaps because we've never had any — so we're especially enamored of castles and crowns.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing affair", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a romantic relationship, a business matter, or another type of continuous situation. Clarity is key, as "affair" can have multiple interpretations.

Common error

The word "affair" can be ambiguous; it can refer to a romantic relationship or a general matter. To prevent confusion, consider specifying the type of "affair" or use a more precise term like "relationship", "matter", or "situation" if the context is unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing affair" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a continuous or current relationship or situation, often implying a romantic liaison. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing both personal relationships and investigations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing affair" is a noun phrase used to describe a continuous relationship or situation, often with romantic or controversial implications. Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in news and media contexts. While the term is generally neutral, it's important to consider the potential connotations of "affair" and choose alternative phrasing if greater clarity or sensitivity is needed. If you're aiming for formality, consider alternatives. Finally, the phrase is of common usage, so it's important to ensure you choose the right context for it to be applied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing liaison

Replaces "affair" with "liaison", suggesting a more formal or discreet relationship, and "ongoing" with "continuing", highlighting the duration.

a current romance

Uses "romance" instead of "affair", implying a more affectionate or passionate connection that is currently happening.

an existing relationship

Replaces "affair" with "relationship", indicating a broader connection that is already in place and continuing.

a prolonged entanglement

Uses "entanglement" to suggest a complicated or intricate relationship that has lasted for an extended period.

a sustained involvement

Replaces "affair" with "involvement", implying participation or connection that has been maintained over time.

a persistent liaison

Uses "persistent" instead of "ongoing" to emphasize the continuous nature of the liaison or connection.

a developing situation

Shifts from a personal relationship to a more general scenario that is currently unfolding or progressing.

a running conflict

Alters the context to indicate a disagreement or dispute that is continually occurring.

a live investigation

Changes the context to describe an inquiry or examination that is currently active and in progress.

a present arrangement

Replaces "affair" with "arrangement", suggesting a structured or agreed-upon situation that is currently in effect.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing affair" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing affair" to describe a relationship or situation that is currently in progress and continuing over time. For example: "The politician's career was threatened by the revelation of "an ongoing affair"."

What's a less sensitive way to say "an ongoing affair"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "a continuing relationship", "a sustained involvement", or "a current romance" might be suitable.

Is it correct to use "ongoing affair" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, the term "affair" can carry strong connotations. In formal settings, consider using alternatives like "a sustained involvement" or "a continuing matter" for greater neutrality.

What's the difference between "an ongoing affair" and "a past affair"?

"An ongoing affair" refers to a relationship or situation that is currently active, while "a past affair" indicates one that has concluded. The key difference is the timeframe: current versus completed.