cohabitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cohabitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of living together and sharing a domestic life, typically in a romantic relationship without being married. Example: "Their cohabitation has raised questions about their long-term commitment to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good news, same sex couples: adopting is out, but cohabitation is in.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is as if, after unquestioning decades of cohabitation, one partner woke up one morning with a jolt and blurted out: "I don't have much in common with you any more, if I ever did.

The Guardian

Now, in the face of a third "cohabitation", a Gaullist president makes no such claims to exclusive control of a policy area long viewed as the president's domaine réservé.

The Economist

And if they do not, then too bad for the left: after all, it has complained often enough that cohabitation does French democracy and French government no favours.But there is a second reason why the thoughtful may temper their praise for the May Day demonstrators with a smidgen of doubt.

The Economist

So they can still choose a fourth cohabitation.

The Economist

Having served Mitterrand throughout the 14 years of his presidency, first as foreign-affairs adviser and then as chief of staff, he has invaluable general experience of dealing with the outside world and, in particular, of doing so during periods of cohabitation (once with Mr Chirac as prime minister).

The Economist

Now Georgia will have to live with a strong opposition in parliament and a year of cohabitation between a president and prime minister who agree on little if anything.

The Economist

That would avenge the right's defeat of 1997 and so let its president avoid a repetition of the five-year "cohabitation" he has just endured with the left.The challenge for Mr Chirac is to maintain that momentum.

The Economist

Since then Mr Ramos-Horta has been prime minister, in an uneasy cohabitation with Fretilin.The outgoing president, Xanana Gusmão, once led the resistance's armed wing but fell out with Fretilin years ago.

The Economist

He was particularly concerned by the law's focus on purportedly "religious cohabitation".

The Economist

And attitudes to cohabitation have shifted: almost a quarter of young adults now live with a partner.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "cohabitation", consider the specific context to determine if a more formal or informal term is appropriate. For example, "domestic partnership" might be preferable in a legal context, while "living together" is suitable for casual conversation.

Common error

The term "cohabitation" typically refers to romantic partnerships, but it can also describe other living arrangements. Always clarify the relationship to avoid misinterpretations. For example, use "shared housing" to denote non-romantic co-residency.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cohabitation" is as a noun. It refers to the act of living together, typically in an intimate relationship without legal or religious sanction. As Ludwig AI indicates, the word is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cohabitation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun to describe the act of living together, often in a romantic context without being married. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing styles. While broadly neutral, its formality can shift based on context. As Ludwig's analysis reveals, it appears predominately in news and media. For alternative expressions, one may consider "living together" or "domestic partnership" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Living together

Replaces the formal term with a more common and straightforward expression.

Domestic partnership

Highlights the shared living arrangement and potential legal implications.

Unmarried partnership

Emphasizes the absence of a formal marriage.

Sharing a residence

Focuses on the physical aspect of living in the same place.

Common-law relationship

Implies a recognized, though not legally formalized, union.

Joint residency

A more formal way to describe sharing the same living space.

Civil partnership

Highlights the legal registration of the union, differing from informal cohabitation.

Living in sin

An older, often judgmental term for unmarried cohabitation.

Shacking up

An informal and sometimes pejorative term for cohabitation.

Roommates with benefits

Informal expression indicating a shared living space with a romantic element.

FAQs

What does "cohabitation" mean?

"Cohabitation" refers to the state of living together, often used to describe unmarried couples who share a residence and a life together.

What are some alternatives to the word "cohabitation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "living together", "domestic partnership", or "unmarried partnership".

Is "cohabitation" a formal or informal term?

"Cohabitation" is generally considered a neutral term. However, the level of formality depends on the context. For example, "common-law relationship" might be used in legal contexts, while "living together" is more casual.

What is the difference between "cohabitation" and marriage?

"Cohabitation" describes a living arrangement where two people reside together, often in a romantic relationship, without being legally married. Marriage is a legally recognized union that provides certain rights and responsibilities.