intimate gathering

USAGE SUMMARY

'intimate gathering' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a small social gathering, such as a party or meeting, with a small and close number of people. For example: "I'm looking forward to the intimate gathering we have planned for Thanksgiving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those gathered at the intimate gathering also learned which Downton Abbey character Einhorn most closely matched, and how the dean will spend a portion of her retirement.

Johns Hopkins University

Now she is planning a more intimate gathering.

The New York Times

It is generally a more intimate gathering of immediate family and the wedding party.

The New York Times

Join fellow Columbians for an intimate gathering at the outdoor patio.

Columbia University

How we're using our outdoor space, intimate gathering spaces, are extremely important.

The New York Times

Yet for many NASA employees, it felt like an intimate gathering.

The New York Times

It was at once an intimate gathering of friends and an invitation-only state occasion.

The New Yorker

Owners Bill Sweat and Donna Morris answer questions in an intimate gathering with spectacular views of the Willamette Valley.

The Washington Post

It was an intimate gathering of about 12 people, but he did not waste any time on intimacy.

The Guardian

One was an intimate gathering given by Charles B. Rangel, the Democratic congressman, in honor of Bill Clinton.

The New York Times

This time around, however, he's taking it down a notch, with an "intimate" gathering at his new store in SoHo, three days after his Pier 94 show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimate gathering" to describe events where the small size and close relationships between attendees are key features.

Common error

Avoid using "intimate gathering" as a generic phrase for any small meeting. Ensure that the gathering genuinely fosters a sense of closeness and personal connection among the participants.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate gathering" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of social event characterized by its small size and the closeness of the attendees. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimate gathering" is a frequently used and grammatically correct noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes a small, personal social event, often emphasizing the close relationships between attendees. Its usage spans a wide range of contexts, including News & Media and academic settings, with a generally neutral register. When choosing alternatives, consider "small get-together" or "private meeting" to subtly alter the emphasis while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

small get-together

Focuses on the size and informality of the event.

private meeting

Emphasizes the exclusivity and confidentiality of the gathering.

close-knit group

Highlights the relationship and connection between the attendees.

exclusive circle

Implies a select and privileged group of people.

personal reunion

Suggests a gathering for a more sentimental and individual occasion.

cozy get-together

Highlights the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the gathering.

small-scale event

Focuses on the limited scope and size of the event.

restricted assembly

Emphasizes the controlled and limited access to the gathering.

select company

Highlights the careful choice of attendees.

private social

Highlights the personal and informal aspect of a gathering.

FAQs

How can I use "intimate gathering" in a sentence?

You can use "intimate gathering" to describe a small, private social event. For example: "The wedding was an intimate gathering of close family and friends."

What can I say instead of "intimate gathering"?

You can use alternatives like "small get-together", "private meeting", or "cozy get-together" depending on the context.

Is "intimate gathering" formal or informal?

"Intimate gathering" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly toward informal due to the word "gathering".

What distinguishes an "intimate gathering" from a regular meeting?

An "intimate gathering" emphasizes the close personal relationships among attendees and the small size of the group, whereas a regular meeting may simply focus on a specific objective or discussion without necessarily fostering close relationships.