intercourse between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intercourse between" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to communication between two or more people or nations. For example: "There has been little intercourse between the two countries since the war began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Social intercourse between the two peoples was frowned upon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Intercourse between swan and woman can be just about envisaged.

Independent

An extension of intercourse between writers and readers is, in my view, inevitable and perhaps essential.

The Guardian - Books

30) In Canada, what incentive was offered to people who encouraged sexual intercourse between moose?

The Guardian - Tech

Not that "the maximum of intercourse between nations" was a new notion, or a bad one.

The New York Times - Books

That was vividly reflected in continual commercial and cultural intercourse between Great Britain and the continent.

The Guardian

During the Reformation, Protestants redeemed one kind of sex: intercourse between a married man and woman.

The New Yorker

Beyond this, however, there was little intercourse between the different groups in the enclosure.

The New Yorker

It made commerce and travel possible, allowing intercourse between separate ethnic and religious groups.

The Economist

By ending vouchers, the administration reduced the social intercourse between neighborhoods.

The New York Times

(The last law in 1941 outlawed sexual intercourse between Jews and non-Jews).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intercourse between", consider the context to ensure the term's connotations are appropriate. In many modern contexts, alternative phrases like "communication between" or "interaction between" may be more suitable to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Be cautious about using "intercourse between" in contexts where a more neutral term is needed. While grammatically correct, the term can sometimes evoke unintended associations, especially in sensitive or formal situations. Choose your words carefully to ensure clear and appropriate communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intercourse between" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun by specifying the type of interaction or connection. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe social, commercial, and cultural relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intercourse between" is grammatically correct and widely used to describe connections or interactions. As Ludwig highlights, it appears frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. While its historical usage may have included stronger connotations, contemporary use is generally neutral. However, it's important to be mindful of potential misinterpretations and consider alternative phrases like "communication between" or "interaction between" when a more neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication between

Replaces "intercourse" with a more neutral and widely understood term, focusing on the exchange of information.

interaction between

Emphasizes the reciprocal action or influence between entities.

exchange between

Highlights the reciprocal giving and receiving of something, whether it's ideas, goods, or services.

connection between

Focuses on the link or relationship that exists between two or more things.

relationship between

Highlights the ongoing nature and dynamic of the link between entities.

liaison between

Suggests a more formal or official connection, often involving coordination or mediation.

dealings between

Implies business or formal transactions between entities.

trade between

Specifically refers to the exchange of goods or services between entities.

commerce between

Similar to "trade between", but suggests a larger scale and scope of economic activity.

contact between

Emphasizes the act of meeting or communicating, without specifying the nature of the interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "intercourse between" in a sentence?

You can use "intercourse between" to describe interactions or connections between two or more entities, such as "There was little social "intercourse between" the two groups". However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation.

What is a less ambiguous alternative to "intercourse between"?

Consider using alternatives such as "communication between", "interaction between", or "exchange between", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "intercourse between" or "relationship between"?

The choice depends on the specific context. "Intercourse between" suggests interaction or connection, while "relationship between" implies a more sustained or meaningful connection.

What does "intercourse between" mean in a historical context?

Historically, "intercourse between" often referred to trade, social interactions, or even sexual relations. Modern usage often leans towards the first two, but awareness of the term's diverse history is crucial for accurate interpretation.