copulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "copulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the mating of animals, or when describing human sexual intercourse. Example sentence: The two birds gathered in a secluded area to copulate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The frankness of the Frenchman's language and the physicality of his characters - who crap and copulate as frequently as any real person - meant that publishers here considered his work pornographic.

The Guardian - Books

The drenched forest oozes with primeval mud la souille" is the boar's wallow in which creatures (animal and human, though the dividing line is tenuous) roll, copulate and kill.Béatrix Beck goes one step further.

The Economist

If a female finds herself corralled into the harem of an immunologically unsuitable male, she will go out of her way to copulate with more suitable neighbouring males.

The Economist

One, puzzled by its sexual organs, concluded that elephants were hermaphrodite and that they must copulate by turning their backs to each other.

The Economist

The female's dermal plates stick straight out behind her, while the male's claspers curve away from the centre-line of his body.In those modern fish that do copulate (there are some, including all sharks), claspers of one sort or another are commonplace, since female fish are slippery individuals.

The Economist

One of the most common probably derives from the same root as the Norwegian word fukka and the Swedish focka (to copulate), and was first recorded in the early 16th century.Largely thanks to Chaucer, whose poetry is full of naughtiness, some of the best-sounding words come from old English.

The Economist

Male insects attempt to copulate with the flowers, which resemble females of their own species.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dominant males occupy central positions in the arena group and may copulate with several females.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Male decapods can copulate only when their exoskeleton is fully hardened, while some females are capable of copulation only after a molt when their shells are soft.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Females visit the lek briefly and copulate with one or more birds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Always with the leash, Mr. Male-Human-Mount-And-Copulate-With-To-Humiliate-Before-Killing!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific or biological topics, "copulate" provides a precise and formal way to describe the act of mating or sexual intercourse. Consider your audience and the level of formality required.

Common error

Avoid using "copulate" in informal conversations or casual writing, as it can sound overly clinical or detached. Opt for more common and appropriate terms like "have sex", "sleep with", or "make love" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "copulate" is as an intransitive verb, denoting the act of sexual intercourse or mating. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and existence in a variety of sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "copulate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that describes the act of sexual intercourse or mating. Ludwig AI confirms its formal tone, suitable for scientific and biological contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in encyclopedias and news media. While "copulate" is valid, it’s important to consider audience and choose more casual synonyms like "make love" or "sleep with" in informal settings. It's also important to note that it is a very common word used in many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have coitus

A medical or scientific term for sexual intercourse.

have sexual intercourse

A more clinical and formal way of describing the act of sexual joining.

engage in sexual relations

A euphemistic alternative that softens the directness of "copulate".

mate

Commonly used in the context of animals, indicating the act of pairing for reproduction.

breed

Focuses on the reproductive aspect, often used when discussing animal populations.

make love

A more romantic and emotionally charged way to describe sexual intercourse.

couple

Implies a pairing or union, often in a romantic or relationship context.

sleep with

An informal expression for engaging in sexual activity.

get intimate

A gentler way of describing sexual activity, emphasizing emotional closeness.

reproduce

Highlights the biological function of creating offspring.

FAQs

How can I use "copulate" in a sentence?

The term "copulate" is often used in biological or scientific contexts to describe the act of mating. For instance, "The birds were observed to "copulate" during the breeding season".

What are some alternatives to the word "copulate"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms such as "mate", "breed", "have sexual intercourse", or "make love". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "copulate" a formal or informal word?

"Copulate" is considered a formal term, often used in scientific, biological, or legal contexts. It is generally not used in casual conversation. Alternatives like "sleep with" or "hook up" are more appropriate for informal settings.

What is the difference between "copulate" and "reproduce"?

"Copulate" refers specifically to the act of sexual intercourse or mating, while "reproduce" encompasses the broader biological process of creating offspring, which may or may not involve sexual reproduction.