have a romance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a romance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of engaging in a romantic relationship or experiencing romantic feelings. Example: "After months of friendship, they finally decided to have a romance and see where their feelings would take them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Every book should have a romance.

Independent

I don't have a romance about death".

The Guardian - Music

Did Lee have a romance with an Alabama professor?

The New Yorker

"We even have a romance room for the historical romances".

The New York Times

"I get to have a romance in that movie," he explains, with no small amount of satisfaction.

The Guardian - Film

Disguising herself as a boy, she earns her knight's shield, and Pierce eventually lets her have a romance (and sex) with the handsome crown prince.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It has a romance that fireworks can't replicate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's terrible," said Mr. Moretti, who said he had not had a romance since.

The New York Times

I went to bars, I took drugs, I had a romance".

The New Yorker

It has a romance imprint, and has signed big writers like Timothy Ferriss, author of "The 4-Hour Workweek".

The Economist

The previous Christmas, they had a romance which began on a French beach.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have a romance", consider the tone you wish to convey. It can imply a lighthearted fling or a deep, meaningful connection, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "have a romance" when you mean simply to express admiration or attraction without any reciprocal action. "I admire her" is different from saying "I have a romance with her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a romance" functions as a verb phrase, with "have" acting as the main verb and "a romance" as its direct object. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and describes engaging in a romantic relationship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

14%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Independent

3%

The Guardian

4%

The New Yorker

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a romance" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe experiencing a romantic relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across different contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While alternatives like "start a relationship" or "fall in love" exist, "have a romance" strikes a balance between formality and expressiveness. Understanding its subtle implications—whether portraying a fleeting fling or a deep connection—is key to effective communication. Remember to avoid using it when merely expressing admiration, and be mindful of the emotional tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start a relationship

Focuses on the initiation of a romantic connection rather than the experience of it.

begin a love affair

Implies a more intense or passionate romantic involvement.

get romantically involved

Highlights the process of becoming connected in a romantic way.

develop a romantic interest

Emphasizes the growth of feelings rather than the relationship itself.

form a romantic attachment

Suggests a deeper emotional connection.

engage in a courtship

Implies a traditional and intentional pursuit of a romantic relationship.

fall in love

Highlights the emotional experience of developing romantic feelings.

find love

Focuses on the discovery or attainment of romantic love.

experience romance

Highlights the overall sensation and feelings associated with romantic love.

pursue a romantic relationship

Emphasizes the active effort to create and maintain a romantic connection.

FAQs

What does "have a romance" mean?

To "have a romance" means to be involved in a romantic relationship, characterized by affection, intimacy, and emotional connection.

What can I say instead of "have a romance"?

You can use alternatives like "start a relationship", "fall in love", or "begin a love affair" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more common to say "have a romance" or "be in a romance"?

Both phrases are used, but "be in a romance" might emphasize a state of being within a romantic relationship, while "have a romance" emphasizes experiencing romantic events or interactions.

How formal is the phrase "have a romance"?

The phrase "have a romance" is considered relatively neutral in formality, suitable for both casual and more formal contexts depending on the surrounding language and tone.