intimate partners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intimate partners" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing relationships that involve emotional and physical closeness. Example: "The support system for intimate partners is crucial during difficult times." Alternative expressions include "romantic partners" and "close partners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Intimate partners should decide the vows you want to make.

The New York Times - Magazine

And how often are things between intimate partners clear-cut?

The New York Times

Women are as physically aggressive as men towards intimate partners, or more aggressive.

Independent

Despite the change, such behaviour between intimate partners is not yet illegal.

The Guardian

Most violence against women worldwide, whether sexual or not, is committed by their intimate partners.

The Guardian

It would be nobody's business but theirs, and their intimate partners'.

The New Yorker

Most of that violence comes at the hands of intimate partners, or someone a woman knows.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do you say that what intimate partners do with each other is up to them?

The Guardian

Guns are the most common method, by far, for killing intimate partners.

The New Yorker

Quite the contrary, intimate partners should be free to reveal themselves, to be known and understood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most often shared or borrowed phones are owned by parents or intimate partners.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or social contexts, use "intimate partners" to ensure inclusivity of different relationship types beyond traditional marriage.

Common error

While "intimate partners" is technically correct, avoid using it in very casual or informal settings where alternatives like "boyfriend/girlfriend" or "significant other" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate partners" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to individuals involved in a close, personal relationship. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in discussions about violence, health, and legal matters, illustrating its role in identifying relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

54%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intimate partners" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term for describing individuals in close relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific discussions related to violence, health, and relationship dynamics. While semantically interchangeable alternatives like "romantic partners" or "significant others" exist, "intimate partners" maintains a neutral and inclusive tone, especially valuable in formal settings. Remember to adjust the formality to fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

romantic partners

Focuses specifically on the romantic aspect of the relationship, implying a connection built on affection and attraction.

close partners

Emphasizes the emotional closeness and bond between the individuals, irrespective of the relationship's specific nature.

domestic partners

Highlights a legally recognized partnership, often implying shared household and responsibilities without necessarily involving marriage.

life partners

Suggests a long-term commitment and shared life goals between the individuals.

significant others

A general term for someone in a close, meaningful relationship with another person.

spouses

Specifically refers to individuals who are married to each other.

companions

Implies a close relationship built on mutual support, shared activities, and companionship.

lovers

Emphasizes the romantic and sexual aspect of the relationship.

couples

A general term for two people in a romantic relationship.

partners

A more general term that can encompass various types of partnerships, including business and personal relationships.

FAQs

What is the difference between "intimate partners" and "domestic partners"?

"Intimate partners" is a broader term encompassing any close, personal relationship, while "domestic partners" often refers to a legally recognized status offering some marriage-like benefits without formal marriage.

Are "intimate partners" always sexually involved?

The term "intimate partners" generally implies a degree of emotional and/or physical closeness, which can include sexual intimacy but is not always required. The level of intimacy varies by relationship.

What are some alternatives to "intimate partners"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "romantic partners", "significant others", "close partners", or even simply "partners".

Is it appropriate to use "intimate partners" in formal writing?

Yes, "intimate partners" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing legal, social, or health-related topics where a neutral and inclusive term is needed. It avoids assumptions about marital status or the nature of the relationship.