on intimate terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on intimate terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a close or personal relationship between individuals. Example: "Despite their differences, they were on intimate terms, sharing secrets and personal stories with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Robinson was one of the few American painters in 19th-century France, perhaps the only one, to be on intimate terms with the reclusive Frenchman, or so the scholarly catalog for the exhibition tells us.

The New York Times

The correct stance is that while one is delighted to be on intimate terms with the royal families of Europe, one is fiercely proud of the Revolution, Valley Forge, Bill of Rights, etc.

Forbes

The name lends itself so easily to familiarity, and one shouldn't be on intimate terms with a mountain.

The New Yorker

During all the summers I spent at Fenway Park in Boston, I felt as if I were on intimate terms with one brother but had never met his twin in Chicago.

The New York Times - Travel

After a night of this, I remember saying, 'John, you've got this town wired.' And he said, 'What's the point of being sheriff if you can't act like one?' " O'Neill was soon on intimate terms with movie stars, politicians, and journalists — what some of his detractors called "the Elaine's crowd".

The New Yorker

Should be on intimate terms with at least one cabinet member, reachable in one phone call or less and known to you as "sweetie".

The New York Times

(Chinen) Marilyn Crispell (Friday) Ms. Crispell, a pianist equally celebrated for aggressive atonality and delicate lyricism, makes one of her infrequent club appearances, on intimate terms.

The New York Times - Arts

This earned him the somewhat peculiar animosity of the Saint-Simonians: they, with few exceptions, had the distinctive characteristic of never having personally known the one they called 'the father', whereas Comte had been on intimate terms with him.

SEP

Everyone is on intimate terms.

The New Yorker

$23. MICHÈLE ROBERTS is on intimate terms with the Muse.

The New York Times - Books

Now don't be alarmed if, like me, you're not on intimate terms with Schrödinger's cat.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on intimate terms" to describe relationships where there is a sense of deep personal knowledge and understanding. It's suitable when discussing personal connections, professional relationships built on trust, or even one's familiarity with a subject.

Common error

While versatile, excessively using "on intimate terms" in formal documents or business communications can sound inappropriate. Opt for phrases like "familiar with" or "well-acquainted" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on intimate terms" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of close familiarity or a deep, personal relationship. Ludwig examples show it describing relationships between people, and also familiarity with subjects or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on intimate terms" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a close, personal, and often detailed understanding or relationship. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing personal connections and deep familiarity. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context; overly formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "familiar with" or "well-acquainted". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase effectively communicates a bond beyond mere acquaintance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on close terms

A more direct synonym, emphasizing the closeness of the relationship.

very familiar with

Emphasizes a high degree of knowledge and understanding.

closely acquainted

Indicates a deep level of familiarity and personal knowledge.

personally familiar

Highlights direct personal experience and knowledge.

well-acquainted

Suggests a good level of familiarity, but perhaps less depth than "intimate".

having a rapport

Suggests a harmonious and understanding relationship.

deeply connected

Focuses on the emotional or personal bond between individuals or entities.

in close confidence

Highlights the trust and discretion involved in the relationship.

on a first-name basis

Implies a casual and friendly relationship, lacking in formality.

sharing confidences

Focuses on the exchange of personal secrets and trust.

FAQs

What does "on intimate terms" mean?

Being "on intimate terms" with someone or something means having a close, personal, and often detailed understanding or relationship. It implies familiarity and a level of trust or knowledge that isn't superficial.

How can I use "on intimate terms" in a sentence?

You can use "on intimate terms" to describe a close personal relationship (e.g., "They were on intimate terms, sharing all their secrets"), or deep familiarity with a subject (e.g., "She was on intimate terms with the local flora and fauna").

What's a less formal way to say "on intimate terms"?

Less formal alternatives include "close friends", "well-acquainted", or "familiar with", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "on intimate terms" in professional writing?

It can be, but consider the context. In some professional settings, particularly where trust and personal connections are emphasized, it's suitable. However, in more formal situations, alternatives like "familiar with" or "well-acquainted" might be more appropriate.