loss of virginity

USAGE SUMMARY

"loss of virginity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the first time someone has sex. For example, "The loss of her virginity was something she had been dreading for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Somewhat more ambiguous is "The Loss of Virginity".

The New York Times

The loss of virginity is a cultural event too.

The Guardian - Books

Issues spanning loss of virginity, alcoholism, dead relatives and the emotional leftovers from secrets and fall-outs might have delivered a cataclysmic blast of downers.

The Guardian - Film

It is Naoko's 20th birthday, and her loss of virginity is an earth-shaking event deepened by their shared, unspoken grief.

The New York Times

And look at The Loss of Virginity, with its naked girl laid flat beneath a crimson landscape, a torn blossom in one hand, fondling a vulpine critter.

The Guardian - Arts

In his La Perte de Pucelage ‑ or "loss of virginity" ‑ he layered motifs, allusions and symbols to hint at a kind of narrative.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

For instance, it's in the non-loss-of-virginity segment that "Sandra Dee"' pops up.

Huffington Post

The women seemed to have always been in their 30s, always been sexually experienced and always had high-powered careers -- even when they reflected on the awkwardness of being a 20-something or shared their loss-of-virginity stories.

Huffington Post

He wrote a far-fetched memoir claiming heterosexual romances, including the loss of his virginity to an older woman.

The Guardian - Film

We are dragged off to a weird "loss of ballooning virginity" ceremony led by the Gooch lookalike.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet the implied loss of her virginity, like the publicly staged chopping of her locks, clearly partakes of the logic of sacrifice as articulated by Euripides.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Contextualize the phrase within a broader discussion of sexual health, relationships, or personal development for a more comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid framing "loss of virginity" as inherently positive or negative. It is a personal experience that should not be associated with judgment or stigma.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of virginity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the event of someone's first sexual intercourse. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loss of virginity" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to someone's first experience with sexual intercourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general discussions. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity, avoiding judgment or stigma. Alternative phrases like "first sexual experience" or "first intercourse" can offer a more neutral and respectful way to discuss the topic. Cultural variations and personal experiences greatly influence the significance of this event, and it's essential to consider these nuances when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first intercourse

This phrase is a straightforward and clinical way to describe the first instance of sexual intercourse.

first sexual experience

This phrase provides a more neutral and descriptive way to refer to the event, focusing on the experience itself rather than the concept of virginity.

first sexual encounter

Similar to 'first sexual experience' but broader, as it could encompass various types of sexual interactions, not necessarily intercourse.

deflowering

This term refers specifically to the act of taking someone's virginity, often used in a more literary or archaic context.

first intimate experience

This is a more gentle and inclusive way to describe the event, emphasizing the emotional and personal connection involved.

initiation into sexual activity

This option frames the event as a beginning or entry point into sexual activity, often used in sociological or academic contexts.

becoming sexually active

This phrase focuses on the transition to a state of engaging in sexual activity, rather than a specific event.

sexual debut

This option is a more euphemistic way to describe the first sexual experience, implying a formal or significant event.

losing one's innocence

This option carries a more metaphorical and emotionally charged connotation, often implying a transition from naivety to experience.

rite of passage into adulthood

This phrase frames the loss of virginity as a symbolic step towards maturity, emphasizing cultural or societal significance.

FAQs

Is "loss of virginity" the same as "first sexual experience"?

While often used interchangeably, "first sexual experience" is a broader term that can encompass various types of sexual interactions, while "loss of virginity" specifically refers to the first time someone has sexual intercourse.

How does the concept of "loss of virginity" vary across cultures?

Cultural views on "loss of virginity" vary widely. Some cultures place a high value on virginity until marriage, while others have more relaxed attitudes. These differences influence the social significance and personal experiences associated with the event.

What are some respectful alternatives to the phrase "loss of virginity"?

Consider using phrases like "first intercourse", "first sexual encounter", or "becoming sexually active" to avoid potentially insensitive language.

What are some common themes related to "loss of virginity" in literature and film?

In literature and film, "loss of virginity" is often portrayed as a "rite of passage into adulthood", a source of anxiety or excitement, or a turning point in a character's development. The portrayal varies widely depending on the genre and cultural context.