clandestine affair

USAGE SUMMARY

"clandestine affair" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a secret or illicit relationship between two people. Example: The politician was caught in a clandestine affair with his intern, causing a scandal in the media.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Abortion was not always a clandestine affair in Chile.

The New York Times

In those days couscous was something of a clandestine affair.

The New York Times - Travel

He engaged in a years-long clandestine affair with Lucy Mercer, a former social secretary.

The New York Times

He was caught up in radical politics merely as an effect of their clandestine affair.

The Guardian - Books

Their old bond flares, and soon they begin a clandestine affair.

The New York Times

It is a clandestine affair, intended to win converts for an attempt to overthrow the Taliban.

The New York Times

The clandestine affair here becomes the bomb under the table from Hitchcock's famous definition of suspense.

The Guardian - Film

(Graham smirked when I brought this up. "Like maybe I'm having a clandestine affair with Ricky Martin," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the young man meets a New York showgirl whose colleague (played by Miranda) helps to foster the clandestine affair.

The New Yorker

The Invisible Woman focuses on Dickens' clandestine affair with a young actress that foundered on the rocks of his celebrity.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But these transactions are clandestine affairs, occurring in the back rooms of palazzi, easily missed by us mere civilians.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about relationships, use "clandestine affair" to specifically highlight the hidden and often illicit nature of the relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "clandestine affair" in overly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "secret relationship" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clandestine affair" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe secret or illicit relationships. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its function in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clandestine affair" is a noun phrase used to describe a secret and often illicit relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to inform and narrate hidden relationships, often with implications of scandal or moral disapproval. While "clandestine affair" is generally neutral in register, it is advisable to use more neutral alternatives like "secret relationship" in formal or academic contexts. Alternatives include "secret romance" and "illicit relationship", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing, consider the level of formality and specific connotations you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret liaison

Similar to "clandestine affair" but can also refer to a single meeting or short-term relationship.

illicit relationship

Highlights the forbidden nature of the relationship.

secret love affair

A more direct and slightly more emphatic version of secret romance, still highlighting love and secrecy

secret romance

Focuses on the romantic aspect, emphasizing the secrecy.

hidden romance

Emphasizes the concealed aspect of the romantic involvement.

underground romance

Conveys a sense of something forbidden or socially unacceptable, hidden from view.

undercover fling

Suggests a short-lived and concealed romantic encounter.

extramarital relationship

Specifically indicates a relationship outside of marriage.

unlawful relationship

Highlights the illegality of the relationship (if applicable).

private intimacy

Emphasizes the personal and secluded nature of the relationship, focusing more on emotional connection.

FAQs

How to use "clandestine affair" in a sentence?

Use "clandestine affair" to describe a secret and often illicit romantic relationship. For example: "The politician's "clandestine affair" with his aide led to his resignation."

What can I say instead of "clandestine affair"?

You can use alternatives like "secret romance", "illicit relationship", or "secret liaison" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "clandestine affair" or "secret affair"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "clandestine affair" implies a greater level of secrecy and often suggests something illicit or forbidden, whereas "secret affair" is a more general term.

What's the difference between "clandestine affair" and "illicit affair"?

While both describe forbidden relationships, "illicit affair" specifically implies that the relationship is illegal or morally wrong, whereas "clandestine affair" primarily emphasizes the secrecy involved, without necessarily implying illegality.