but not intimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but not intimate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a relationship or connection that is close but lacks a deeper emotional or personal bond. Example: "We have a strong friendship, but not intimate, as we prefer to keep our personal lives separate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And "Light Up," a collaboration with the young star Drake -- who also caught a flight from Los Angeles for this show -- felt small, but not intimate.

The New York Times

From here, Bowles relates each woman's separate story, until the two, who are friendly but not intimate, cross paths at the book's unforgettable end.

The New Yorker

When he finally finished his letter, shouting the sign-off he used for friendly but not intimate acquaintances — "with best wishes!" — it was with the aplomb of a maestro flinging down his baton.

The New Yorker

My sister and her partner of 20 years never married, but the partner — who has no family of his own — was treated as a son-in-law by my parents, and we all had a friendly, but not intimate, relationship with him.

The New York Times - Magazine

It begs the question why states require car insurance but not intimate partner abuse insurance.

Huffington Post

Smooth, structured and predictable in genteel three-quarter time, with a closed (but not intimate) embrace of his partner.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A talk show inaugurated this week by Tina Brown, the former editor of Talk magazine, was supposed to be intimate -- but not that intimate.

The New York Times

I don't quite know what informal means, but his biography is certainly not intimate.

The New York Times - Books

In Milton's "Lycidas," the vowels of lament are golden, as erotic in sound as they are in "Paradise Lost," but the grief is formal, not intimate; literary, not literal.

The New Yorker

They know the basic facts about each other's lives but not the intimate details.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are a sexier gift than socks, but not as intimate as knickers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but not intimate" to clearly define the boundaries of a relationship, indicating friendliness or acquaintance without a deeper emotional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "but not intimate" when a relationship is entirely superficial or nonexistent. The phrase implies some level of existing connection, however minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not intimate" functions as a qualifying conjunction phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas, indicating that while a relationship or situation possesses certain positive qualities (e.g., friendliness, familiarity), it lacks the depth and closeness associated with intimacy. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but not intimate" serves as a qualifying conjunction, useful for delineating the extent of a relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It commonly appears in neutral contexts, especially in news and media, to precisely define connections that are friendly or familiar without being deeply personal. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully to avoid misrepresenting relationship dynamics. Alternative phrases such as "friendly but distant" or "acquainted but not close" can offer similar nuances. This phrase helps manage expectations by clarifying that a bond exists but has defined limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

friendly but distant

Emphasizes a lack of emotional closeness despite being friendly.

acquainted but not close

Highlights a superficial level of familiarity without deep connection.

cordial but reserved

Suggests politeness without revealing personal feelings.

familiar but detached

Implies a lack of emotional involvement despite knowing each other.

polite but aloof

Conveys a sense of formality and emotional distance.

amicable but superficial

Stresses a lack of depth in the relationship.

pleasant but impersonal

Highlights the absence of a personal connection.

civil but cold

Implies a lack of warmth and emotional connection.

respectful but uninvolved

Highlights a lack of personal investment or engagement.

formal but not close

Focuses on the adherence to etiquette rather than personal warmth.

FAQs

How can I use "but not intimate" in a sentence?

You can use "but not intimate" to describe relationships or interactions that are friendly or familiar on the surface, but lack a deeper, personal connection. For example: "They were colleagues, "but not intimate", maintaining a professional distance."

What's a good alternative to "but not intimate"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include phrases like "friendly but distant", "acquainted but not close", or "cordial but reserved".

When is it appropriate to use "but not intimate"?

It's suitable when you want to clarify that a relationship exists, but doesn't involve deep personal sharing or emotional vulnerability. For instance, "We are neighbors, "but not intimate", exchanging pleasantries but little else."

Is "but not intimate" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "but not intimate" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.