having an affair

USAGE SUMMARY

"having an affair" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a romantic or sexual relationship that is occurring with someone other than the person's partner. For example, "After years of going through an unhappy marriage, I discovered my husband was having an affair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She's having an affair.

The New Yorker

He's having an affair.

The New Yorker

And were they having an affair?

The New Yorker

"They denied they were having an affair.

The New York Times

Grant is having an affair with Kay.

The New York Times

She's having an affair with Ralston.

The New Yorker

Having an affair".

The New York Times - Books

"They were having an affair".

The New York Times

Is he having an affair?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"My wife's having an affair!" he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She's also having an affair with a freckly British curator.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like affairs, consider your audience and choose language that is appropriate for the context. "Having an affair" is a relatively neutral term.

Common error

Avoid confusing "having an affair", which refers to infidelity, with "having an effect", which means to influence something. Ensure your word choice accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having an affair" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle construction used to describe an ongoing action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having an affair" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe infidelity in a committed relationship. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it’s widely understood and accepted in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in the context of News & Media, with a neutral register. While the topic is sensitive, the phrase itself is straightforward. When writing about this topic, remember to consider your audience and the context of your message. Alternative phrases, such as "being unfaithful" or "cheating on someone", can be used depending on the desired level of formality or directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being unfaithful

This alternative highlights the lack of fidelity in the relationship.

cheating on someone

This alternative is more direct and focuses on the betrayal of trust.

involved in an extramarital relationship

This alternative is formal and explicitly mentions the relationship being outside of marriage.

engaging in infidelity

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of being unfaithful.

stepping out on someone

This phrase emphasizes the act of leaving the relationship for someone else, even temporarily.

carrying on with someone

This alternative implies a secretive and ongoing relationship.

two-timing

This is a colloquial term that indicates deception and betrayal.

straying from the marriage

This alternative uses a metaphorical expression to describe the deviation from marital vows.

playing away

This alternative, primarily used in British English, is an informal way of describing infidelity.

romantically involved with someone else

This alternative is a more euphemistic way of describing the affair, softening the impact.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone is "having an affair"?

When someone is "having an affair", it means they are involved in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone other than their spouse or committed partner. It implies a breach of trust and commitment within the primary relationship.

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

You can use less direct phrases such as "being unfaithful", "cheating on someone", or "involved in an extramarital relationship" to describe the situation with more tact or formality.

Is "having an affair" the same as "flirting"?

No, "having an affair" implies a more significant level of involvement, usually including sexual activity and emotional intimacy, while "flirting" typically involves playful and suggestive behavior without necessarily involving physical intimacy or commitment.

What are the potential consequences of "having an affair"?

The consequences of "having an affair" can include damage to the primary relationship (potentially leading to separation or divorce), emotional distress for all parties involved, social stigma, and legal or financial repercussions.