intimate relations

USAGE SUMMARY

"intimate relations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to close relationships between two people, such as friendship, love, or sexual relationships. For example: "They had been in an intimate relationship for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bill: Intimate relations are very important.

The New York Times

He wanted to forge more intimate relations with fewer companies.

The Economist

Maybe more "intimate relations" would be good for the economy.

The Guardian

You lose your fantasies, you lose your intimate relations.

The Guardian

"They are going to want to re-establish intimate relations".

The New York Times

For millennia, most humans survived through more or less intimate relations with land and sea.

The Guardian

The decision, Mr Baltiansky said, was aimed at improving the country's "intimate relations" with the US.

The Guardian

"She could not have intimate relations with people," Ms. Klieman said.

The New York Times

They bond human communities and they assist in forging intimate relations with the broader Earth community.

Yale University

Population was a problem in which international relations and intimate relations were one.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The predictors family relations, marriage couples/intimate relations, parenting, friends/social life, work, education, leisure time, psychological well-being, and physical self-care were used at baseline.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "intimate relations", consider your audience and the context. It can refer to both sexual and non-sexual relationships, so clarity is key to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

While "intimate relations" can be a useful euphemism, avoid overusing it. Excessive use can make your writing sound awkward or evasive. Instead, vary your vocabulary with more specific terms when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimate relations" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to the state of being intimately connected with another person or entity. Ludwig AI's assessment confirms its grammatical correctness, evidenced by its frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimate relations" is a grammatically correct and versatile noun phrase used to describe close personal connections. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. While it can refer to both sexual and non-sexual relationships, careful consideration of context is necessary to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is frequently used across various sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "intimate relations", be mindful of overusing the term and consider more specific vocabulary to maintain clarity. The term's communicative purpose is primarily descriptive, aiming to convey the nature and quality of personal bonds, so always tailor its use to the specific context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional closeness

Highlights the sharing of feelings and vulnerability between individuals.

close relationships

Focuses on the emotional and personal closeness in relationships without necessarily implying sexual activity.

affectionate bonds

Emphasizes the caring and loving nature of the relationship.

loving partnerships

Indicates a committed and caring relationship, usually between couples.

personal connections

Highlights the individual bonds and links between people.

deep connections

Suggests a profound emotional or spiritual link between individuals.

romantic involvement

Specifically refers to relationships with romantic feelings.

physical relationship

Emphasizes the physical interactions, often sexual, between individuals.

sexual intimacy

Directly refers to the sexual aspect of a relationship.

private life

Refers to the aspects of a person's life that are not public, including relationships.

FAQs

What does "intimate relations" mean?

The term "intimate relations" generally refers to close personal relationships, which may or may not involve sexual activity. The exact meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

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

You can use "intimate relations" in a sentence to refer to close bonds between people, for example: "Maintaining healthy "close relationships" is important for overall well-being."

What are some alternatives to saying "intimate relations"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "personal connections", "romantic involvement", "affectionate bonds", or if referring specifically to sexual activity, "sexual intimacy".

Is "intimate relations" a formal or informal term?

"Intimate relations" falls somewhere in the middle. It's more formal than slang but less clinical than scientific terminology. The formality of the term is neutral and depends on the surrounding context.