flirt with

USAGE SUMMARY

"flirt with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it typically means to engage in playful or romantic behavior with someone. Here are some examples: 1) "He couldn't resist flirting with her, even though he knew she was already in a relationship." 2) "She decided to flirt with the idea of starting her own business." 3) "The two coworkers always flirted with each other at the office, but it never went beyond harmless banter." 4) "She knew she shouldn't flirt with danger, but the adrenaline rush was too tempting." 5) "He couldn't help but flirt with the camera, flashing a charming smile for the photographer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It doesn't flirt with lies.

The Washington Post

They like to flirt with danger".

The New York Times

Prices still flirt with deflation (see chart).

The Economist

She Might Flirt With Others.

Johns Hopkins University

But I flirt with everyone.

Huffington Post

Don't flirt with everyone.

WikiHow

Don't flirt with him.

WikiHow

Don't flirt with another guy.

WikiHow

Do not flirt with nobility.

WikiHow

Attempt to flirt with her.

WikiHow

NEVER flirt with anyone else.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flirt with", ensure the context clarifies whether you mean playful interaction, romantic interest, or considering an idea without full commitment.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone is deeply interested simply because they "flirt with" an idea or engage in playful banter. Gauge the situation realistically to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flirt with" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "flirt" with the preposition "with" to create a distinct meaning, often implying a playful or non-committal engagement. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which classifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

27%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flirt with" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in diverse contexts ranging from playful interactions to tentative considerations. The phrase is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media sources, indicating a neutral to informal register. When using "flirt with", be mindful of the context to ensure clarity of intent, whether expressing romantic interest or discussing a brief consideration of an idea. Consider alternatives like "toy with" or "tease with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engage playfully with

Emphasizes the playful and interactive nature of "flirt with", focusing on the light-hearted connection.

toy with

Shares the sense of considering something lightly or without serious commitment, similar to "flirt with" in some contexts.

consider briefly

Mirrors the meaning of "flirt with" when discussing ideas, indicating a short and superficial consideration.

tease with

Highlights the playful, teasing aspect of "flirt with", often involving gentle provocation.

entertain the notion of

Similar to considering briefly, but adds a sense of amusement or passive interest.

court attention from

Focuses on actively seeking attention, similar to how one might "flirt with" someone to gain their interest.

dally with

Implies a casual and non-committal involvement, akin to "flirt with" in its less serious forms.

make advances toward

Suggests initiating romantic interest, a more direct form of what "flirt with" implies.

lead on

Implies a more deceptive aspect of flirting, suggesting false hope or interest.

come on to

A direct approach to showing romantic interest, similar to flirting but can be more overt.

FAQs

How can I use "flirt with" in a sentence?

You can use "flirt with" to describe playfully interacting with someone, as in, "He likes to flirt with his coworkers." It can also mean considering something briefly, such as, "She's flirting with the idea of moving to Europe."

What's the difference between "flirt" and "flirt with"?

"Flirt" is the act itself, while "flirt with" often implies a less direct or sustained engagement. You might "flirt" (the action), or you might "flirt with" the possibility of something (an idea).

What can I say instead of "flirt with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "tease with", "toy with", or "consider briefly".

Is it appropriate to "flirt with" colleagues at work?

While some workplaces may tolerate light-hearted banter, it's important to consider the potential for misinterpretation or discomfort. Professionalism should always be a priority.