mate with

USAGE SUMMARY

"mate with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means to form a pair, or to join together in order for reproduction. Example sentence: The birds in the park mated with each other in preparation for the upcoming breeding season.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hypothesis: she wants to mate with him.

The New Yorker

"They have to mate with other organisms.

The New York Times - Science

Elliot may try to "mate" with you.

The New Yorker

What animal does it mate with?

Princeton University

Least likely to: Mate with mountain men.

The Guardian - Music

Does his soldier also mate with same fate?

University of California, Berkeley

No one else had ever asked to mate with her.

The New Yorker

He took Girl's hand and started to mate with her.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

2) "Can I hiber-mate with you".

The Guardian

A team-mate with stature as well as personality.

The Guardian - Sport

Two lions have mated with their daughters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase figuratively, consider the connotations and ensure it aligns with the intended message. For example, avoid using it in contexts where it might sound crude or inappropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "mate with" in contexts where a simple connection or pairing is intended. Using it to describe the connection of objects can sound awkward; instead, opt for more suitable terms like "connect" or "join".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mate with" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of sexual reproduction or pairing for the purpose of procreation. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing animal behavior and biological processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

29%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mate with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning as a verb phrase to denote the act of sexual reproduction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across diverse contexts, ranging from scientific publications and news reports to fictional narratives. While primarily used in a biological sense, its figurative extensions should be handled with care to avoid misinterpretation. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia and Science, it is important to consider the level of formality suitable for each situation. When a simple pairing is implied, it is better to use terms like “pair up with” or “connect with” in order to not sound inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

copulate with

A more formal and technical term for the act of sexual intercourse or mating.

breed with

Focuses specifically on the reproductive aspect of mating, implying the intention to produce offspring.

pair up with

Emphasizes the act of forming a pair or couple, whether for reproductive or other purposes; less explicitly biological.

interbreed with

Refers specifically to mating between different species or varieties.

couple with

Highlights the formation of a pair or dyad, often implying a close relationship.

reproduce with

A broader term that encompasses all methods of reproduction, not just sexual mating.

join with

Suggests a union or connection, which can be physical or metaphorical, and may not necessarily involve reproduction.

unite with

Suggests a merging or combination, which can be physical or abstract.

consort with

Often implies a social or habitual association, which may or may not include a romantic or sexual relationship.

become partners with

Implies a relationship built on trust and shared goals, which is a much more general term.

FAQs

How can I use "mate with" in a sentence?

You can use "mate with" to describe the reproductive behavior of animals, as in "The birds "mate with" each other in the spring". It can also be used figuratively to describe a close or harmonious connection, though this is less common.

What are some alternatives to "mate with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "pair up with", "copulate with", or "breed with" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "mate with" in formal writing?

Yes, "mate with" is acceptable in formal and scientific writing when discussing biological reproduction. However, exercise caution when using it in more general contexts, as it can sound overly clinical.

What's the difference between ""mate with"" and "interbreed with"?

"Mate with" generally refers to reproduction between members of the same species, while "interbreed with" specifically describes mating between different species or varieties.