became intimate with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became intimate with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the development of a close personal or romantic relationship between individuals. Example: "Over time, they became intimate with each other, sharing their deepest thoughts and feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It was in the forties that Camus became intimate with Sartre.

The New Yorker

In London he soon became intimate with Sir Joshua Reynolds and gained widespread popularity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Through cycling, walking and hostelling, Gerry became intimate with the north of England.

The Guardian

As a student Konoe became intimate with Western philosophy, literature, sociology, and social and economic problems, particularly the problems of the poor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Clementi's father began to rock back and forth in his seat as M. B. began describing how he became intimate with Tyler.

The New York Times

Brummell soon became intimate with his patron, and, in 1798, having then reached the rank of captain, he left the service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Gradually you become intimate with the leader.

The Guardian

* * * "I have not managed to become intimate with anyone here.

The New Yorker

Russian teenagers will once again become intimate with the Kalashnikov.

The New York Times

You can still become intimate with the audience.

The Guardian - Music

Cuban has also become intimate with Don Nelson, his head coach.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context; this phrase can sometimes imply a romantic or sexual relationship, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "became intimate with" can sound awkward or inappropriate in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "developed a close relationship with" or "grew close to" in academic or business settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became intimate with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the development of a close relationship or deep understanding. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing both personal relationships and familiarity with subjects or concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became intimate with" is a versatile expression used to describe the development of closeness, whether emotional, physical, or intellectual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed, though its appropriateness depends heavily on context. It's more suitable for news articles, personal narratives, and general writing, but might need to be substituted with more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Be mindful of the implications of intimacy when using this phrase. The most frequent sources are "The New York Times", "The Guardian", "Encyclopedia Britannica", "The New Yorker" and "Huffington Post".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed a close relationship with

Focuses on the relationship aspect, emphasizing the connection that was built.

grew close to

Suggests a gradual increase in emotional proximity.

formed a deep bond with

Highlights the strength and significance of the connection.

established rapport with

Emphasizes a harmonious and understanding connection.

connected with on a personal level

Highlights the individual connection and emotional aspect.

cultivated a friendship with

Highlights that intimacy was built on friendship

became familiar with

Indicates increasing knowledge and understanding, not necessarily emotional closeness.

befriended

Simply means to become friends with someone.

struck up a close acquaintance with

Describes an initial stage of building intimacy.

ingratiated oneself with

Suggests an effort to gain someone's favor.

FAQs

What does "became intimate with" mean?

The phrase "became intimate with" suggests developing a close personal or emotional relationship with someone or something. It can imply a deep understanding or familiarity.

What can I say instead of "became intimate with"?

You can use alternatives such as "developed a close relationship with", "grew close to", or "formed a deep bond with" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "became intimate with" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "became intimate with" may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "developed a close relationship with" in such cases.

How does "became intimate with" differ from "became familiar with"?

"Became intimate with" suggests a deeper, more personal connection or understanding, while "became familiar with" simply implies gaining knowledge or awareness of something. Intimacy suggests closeness while familiarity suggests knowledge.