have sexual intercourse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have sexual intercourse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing human reproduction, sexual health, or relationships in a formal or clinical manner.
Example: "The study aimed to understand the factors influencing couples who choose to have sexual intercourse at different stages of their relationship."
Alternatives: "engage in sexual relations" or "have sexual relations".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We found a high percentage of sexually experienced females (20%) reported that they had been forced to have sexual intercourse, and female students were almost four times as likely to report having been forced to have sexual intercourse as males.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

However, when they were sexually active, they demonstrated more positive experiences and mutual initiative to have sexual intercourse.

Global Health Action

When is the best time to have sexual intercourse?

The New Yorker

Do you want West to imminently have sexual intercourse with you?

The Guardian - Tech

She was told she had to have sexual intercourse that same day.

The Guardian

"In that case, it's clearly a violation" to have performers have sexual intercourse without condoms.

The New York Times - Health

Nearly 8percentt of teenagers in the survey said they were forced to have sexual intercourse.

The New York Times

You stalked her and your intention was to have sexual intercourse with her.

The Guardian

"I did have sexual intercourse with her," he said, according to the transcript.

The New York Times

He will have sexual intercourse with each one an average of 1.6 times.

The Economist

As the jury have found, she was in no condition to have sexual intercourse".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have sexual intercourse" in formal or clinical contexts where precision is necessary. For more casual conversation, consider using "have sex" or "make love".

Common error

Avoid using "have sexual intercourse" in informal settings where it may sound overly formal or clinical. Opt for more common alternatives like "have sex" or "hook up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have sexual intercourse" functions as a verb phrase, describing a specific physical act. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

45%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have sexual intercourse" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term that precisely describes the act of sexual intercourse. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for formal, clinical, or legal contexts. While common in News & Media and Scientific publications, it may sound overly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "have sex" might be more suitable. Usage ranges from discussions of sexual health and safety to reporting on legal or ethical matters. Therefore, understanding the context is crucial for choosing the most appropriate language.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have sex

A more common and informal way to express the same action.

engage in sexual activity

Focuses on the act of engaging in a sexual act, broadening the scope beyond just intercourse.

engage in coitus

A formal term for sexual intercourse, often used in medical or scientific contexts.

copulate

A more clinical and scientific term for sexual intercourse.

perform sexual act

Focuses on the act itself, suitable in legal or descriptive contexts.

make love

A more romantic and intimate way to describe sexual intercourse.

More alternative expressions

have sexual relationship

have sexual contact

have sexual relations

have sexual relation

have sexual relationships

encouraged sexual intercourse

have sexually intercourse

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "have sexual intercourse"?

A more common and informal alternative to "have sexual intercourse" is "have sex", which is widely understood and used in everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "have sexual intercourse"?

The phrase "have sexual intercourse" is appropriate in formal, medical, or legal contexts where a precise and unambiguous term is required. It is also suitable for academic discussions and research papers.

Are there euphemisms for "have sexual intercourse"?

Yes, some euphemisms for "have sexual intercourse" include "make love" or "sleep together", though the latter can be ambiguous.

What's the difference between "have sexual intercourse" and "have sexual relations"?

"Have sexual intercourse" specifically refers to the act of penetration, while "have sexual relations" is a broader term that can encompass various forms of sexual activity.