casual relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"casual relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a relationship that is not serious or committed. For example, "We kept our relationship casual; we were just having fun together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He still has a casual relationship with the truth….

The New Yorker

And the less said about her casual relationship with facts the better.

The Economist

"It was not a fling, not a casual relationship, but a real love affair".

The New York Times

At the same time, the site embodies our newly casual relationship to truth.

The New Yorker

This casual relationship to gun ownership is different in different parts of the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

But other studies show there is at least a casual relationship between aid and votes.

The Washington Post

This is not a casual relationship between the client and the performer.

The Guardian - Opinion

She dances very little, and her baby-doll voice has only a casual relationship with melody.

The New York Times

Kuwahata, a fashion graduate, is in a casual relationship with a man 13 years her senior.

The Guardian

"Something like that happens and there is no longer a casual relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blame the paradox on the dangerously casual relationship known as "anonymous sources".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a relationship, use "casual relationship" to indicate a lack of commitment or seriousness. This term is widely understood and avoids potential ambiguity.

Common error

Be mindful that "casual relationship" can sometimes imply a lack of emotional depth. If you intend to convey a more positive or supportive connection, consider using terms like "informal partnership" or "easygoing association" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of interpersonal connection characterized by a lack of commitment or formality. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

28%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "casual relationship" is a commonly used term to describe a connection lacking commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse sources such as news, scientific articles, and general-knowledge websites. While universally accepted, writers should consider potential misinterpretations, particularly in formal contexts. Alternatives like "informal arrangement" might offer improved clarity depending on the intended message. Ludwig provides a wealth of examples for correct usage, solidifying its role as a versatile descriptor in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

informal relationship

Emphasizes the lack of formality in the connection.

non-exclusive relationship

Highlights the absence of exclusivity and commitment.

lighthearted relationship

Focuses on the carefree and easygoing nature of the bond.

unchallenging relationship

Suggests a lack of depth or complexity in the interaction.

superficial connection

Indicates a shallow or surface-level interaction.

brief association

Implies a short-lived or temporary connection.

loose connection

Suggests a weak or not firmly established link.

non-committal liaison

Emphasizes the lack of intention to make long-term promises.

temporary arrangement

Highlights the impermanent and planned nature of the connection.

easygoing partnership

Focuses on the relaxed and flexible dynamics.

FAQs

How can I use "casual relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "casual relationship" to describe a non-serious romantic connection, such as: "They decided to keep their relationship casual" or to describe a less committed connection, such as: "We have a casual relationship with our neighbors".

What's the difference between "casual relationship" and "serious relationship"?

A "casual relationship" implies a lack of commitment and long-term expectations, while a "serious relationship" suggests a deeper emotional connection and a shared intention for a future together.

What are some alternatives to "casual relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "informal relationship", "non-exclusive relationship", or "lighthearted relationship".

Is "casual relationship" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience and context. In more formal settings, "informal arrangement" or "loose connection" might be more suitable depending on the meaning you wish to convey.