for an affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for an affair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a romantic or sexual relationship that is typically secretive or outside of a committed partnership. Example: "She was accused of having feelings for an affair that could jeopardize her marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

No one has time for an affair.

The New Yorker

They usually know exactly who is there for an affair.

Independent

Peter Sellers would have settled for an affair.

The New York Times - Books

The boss wants to borrow the apartment for an affair.

The New York Times - Magazine

She suspected he was looking for an affair.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Strauss-Kahn was rebuked by the I.M.F. in 2008 for an affair with a married Hungarian subordinate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

For this is a world where hackers can ruin your life – not for having an affair but for thinking of having an affair.

The Guardian - Opinion

(c) Representative Gary Condit, for having an affair with an intern who was later found dead.

The New Yorker

Would listeners forgive their partner for having an affair?

BBC

Could I forgive my husband for having an affair?

Huffington Post

For some, an affair waits in the wings.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the connotations associated with the term. "For an affair" often carries negative implications related to betrayal and dishonesty. Choose your words carefully to accurately reflect the situation you are describing.

Common error

While it might be tempting to use indirect language to soften the impact, avoid being so vague that the meaning is unclear. Be direct and specific to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for an affair" primarily functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, often modifying verbs to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for an affair" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial, providing context or reason related to extramarital relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is common in news, books, and general discussions, maintaining a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the ethical implications of discussing sensitive topics such as infidelity. Be direct in your language to avoid vagueness, and be mindful of the negative connotations associated with the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to have an extramarital relationship

A more formal and clinical way to describe an affair.

to have a fling

Focuses on the temporary and casual nature of the affair.

to cheat on someone

Emphasizes the act of deceiving a partner.

to engage in infidelity

Highlights the betrayal of trust inherent in the act.

to be unfaithful

Focuses on the breaking of a commitment or vow.

to step out on someone

An informal way of saying to cheat on a partner.

to stray from marriage

Implies a wandering or deviation from the marital path.

to become romantically involved outside marriage

Emphasizes the romantic aspect of the relationship.

to two-time a partner

Colloquial expression for deceiving a partner by having an affair.

to commit adultery

A legal and religious term for extramarital sex.

FAQs

How can I use "for an affair" in a sentence?

You can use "for an affair" to describe situations where someone is considering, engaging in, or being punished for extramarital relations. For example: "She left her husband "for an affair" with a younger man."

What's a more formal alternative to "for an affair"?

A more formal alternative would be "extramarital relationship". This term is often used in legal or clinical contexts.

Is it grammatically correct to say "for an affair"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "for an affair" is a prepositional phrase that typically functions as an adverbial, modifying a verb or adjective.

What are the ethical considerations when writing about "for an affair"?

When writing about "for an affair", it's important to be sensitive to the people involved and to avoid sensationalizing the story. Ensure accuracy and fairness in your reporting.