had an affair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had an affair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an extramarital relationship, usually of a romantic nature. For example, "The politician was caught when it was revealed he had an affair with his campaign manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had an affair.

The New York Times - Magazine

We never had an affair.

The Guardian

Who had an affair with a Ram.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If he had an affair?

The New York Times

Style|My Colleague Had an Affair.

The New York Times - Style

He insists she had an affair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dickinson's brother, Austin, had an affair with a married woman.

Harvard University

Everyone knows they had an affair.

The Guardian

Or someone who's just had an affair.

The Guardian

She had an affair with her boss.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Jesus Christ, he had an affair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the emotional impact on the parties involved when discussing situations involving infidelity. Using sensitive and respectful language is always advisable.

Common error

While euphemisms can soften the impact of discussing infidelity, avoid using vague language that obscures the meaning or trivializes the situation. Clarity is important, especially in contexts where honesty and transparency are essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had an affair" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone engaged in an extramarital relationship. It is used to describe an action or event where a person in a committed relationship becomes romantically or sexually involved with someone else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly and correctly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had an affair" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an extramarital relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It functions as a verb phrase and is used to convey infidelity. While the phrase is generally neutral, context dictates whether more formal or informal alternatives are appropriate. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, followed by Academia. When writing about this topic, be mindful of the audience and emotional impact, and avoid vague language that trivializes the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committed adultery

A formal and legal term that specifically refers to sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse.

engaged in infidelity

Replaces "had an affair" with a more formal and direct term, focusing on the act of infidelity itself.

cheated on their spouse

Focuses on the betrayal aspect of having an affair, highlighting the impact on the relationship.

was unfaithful

A more general term indicating a breach of trust and commitment within a relationship.

betrayed their partner

Emphasizes the act of betrayal and the violation of trust in the relationship.

was disloyal

Similar to 'was unfaithful' but stresses the lack of loyalty in the relationship

strayed from the marriage

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate deviation from the marital vows and commitment.

had a romantic liaison

Softens the term "affair" by using "romantic liaison", which might imply a more emotional connection.

became involved with someone else

A more neutral way to describe the situation, without explicitly mentioning infidelity.

stepped out on their relationship

An informal way of saying someone had an affair, implying a temporary departure from the relationship.

FAQs

What are some less direct ways to say someone "had an affair"?

You can use less direct phrases like "was unfaithful", "strayed from the marriage", or "became involved with someone else" depending on the level of formality and sensitivity required.

Is "had an affair" the same as "committed adultery"?

While related, "had an affair" is a broader term. "Committed adultery" specifically refers to sexual relations outside of marriage and often carries legal or religious connotations.

How do I use "had an affair" in a sentence without sounding accusatory?

Focus on the facts rather than assigning blame. For example, instead of saying "He had an affair and ruined everything", you could say "It was revealed that he had an affair, which led to significant changes in the relationship."

Are there other phrases I can use instead of "had an affair"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "engaged in infidelity", "cheated on their spouse", or "betrayed their partner". The best choice depends on the specific context and your intended tone.