cheating on someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheating on someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where one person in a romantic relationship is being unfaithful to their partner. Example: "She found out that he was cheating on her with a coworker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We asked some people who think about these issues both professionally and personally, "What does cheating on someone even mean?" Legally, adultery is defined as "sexual contact".

Vice

Participants were asked what they thought these questions were trying to ascertain, and answers (including: " going behind your [partner' s] back," " cheating on someone," " having an affair") were generally consistent with the epidemiological concept of concurrency (UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates Modelling, and Projections: Working Group on Measuring Concurrent Sexual Partnerships, 2010).

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We talked about our (and all of our friends') divorced parents, about how marriage was nothing but a pragmatic financial venture, and about the last time we cheated on someone.

The New York Times

@emmaggarland.

Vice

Never cheat on someone.

WikiHow

She is far less likely to cheat on someone who makes an effort and stays on her mind.

WikiHow

Most people are capable of loving someone and yet cheating on them with someone else, according to Dr. Fisher.

The New York Times

If you suspect that your spouse is cheating on you with someone in particular, or you have come across the name of someone, you can often locate more information about that person by searching online.

WikiHow

I don't feel like cheating on him with someone".

Vice

Amy's husband had been convinced for months that his wife was cheating on him with someone from the prison.

Vice

Dear H.E.C., You've already answered your own question: Your boyfriend treats you badly, you're not in love with him anymore, and you're basically already cheating on him with someone you like better.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about infidelity, consider the emotional impact on all parties involved. Using the phrase "cheating on someone" can be direct and impactful, but ensure that the context is sensitive and respectful.

Common error

While "cheating on someone" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "being unfaithful" or "committing adultery."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cheating on someone" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an act of infidelity within a relationship. It specifies the action of being unfaithful and the recipient of that action. Ludwig confirms its common use in expressing betrayal.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cheating on someone" is a commonly used verb phrase that refers to an act of infidelity within a relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Analysis of example sentences indicates its prevalent usage in news and media, as well as in general discussions on Wiki. While the phrase is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for professional or academic contexts, where alternatives such as "being unfaithful" or "committing adultery" might be more appropriate. Despite its relative informality, Ludwig's examples show the phrase is frequently used in a neutral informative style. Therefore, when writing about infidelity, one should consider the audience and context to choose the most suitable phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being unfaithful to someone

Focuses on the act of infidelity itself, highlighting the breach of trust.

committing adultery with someone

Implies a legal or moral transgression, specifically sexual relations outside of marriage.

having an affair with someone

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the infidelity and the emotional connection involved.

betraying someone's trust with another person

Highlights the violation of trust and the involvement of a third party.

being disloyal to someone with someone else

Stresses the lack of loyalty and the presence of another person in the betrayal.

two-timing someone with another

An informal way of describing infidelity, suggesting deception.

fooling around with someone behind someone's back

Emphasizes the secretive and deceptive nature of the infidelity.

straying from someone with another

Suggests a departure from the relationship, often implying a temporary lapse in judgment.

playing away with someone

A more colloquial term for infidelity, often used in British English.

messing around with someone else

A casual term implying that the infidelity wasn't serious.

FAQs

What is the legal definition of "cheating on someone"?

Legally, "cheating on someone", especially in the context of marriage, is often referred to as adultery, which is typically defined as sexual contact outside of the marriage. However, the legal implications vary by jurisdiction.

What are some less judgmental ways to say "cheating on someone"?

Instead of saying "cheating on someone", which can sound accusatory, you could use terms like "being unfaithful to someone", "having an affair", or "straying from someone", depending on the context and your desired tone.

How does the phrase "cheating on someone" differ from "having an affair"?

While both phrases refer to infidelity, "cheating on someone" is more direct and can imply a single act or a pattern of behavior. "Having an affair" often suggests a more sustained and emotionally involved relationship outside the primary one.

What are the emotional and psychological effects of "cheating on someone"?

The emotional and psychological effects of "cheating on someone" can be devastating, leading to feelings of betrayal, anger, sadness, and insecurity in the person who was cheated on. The person who cheated may experience guilt, shame, or confusion.