recreational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recreational" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe activities that are done for enjoyment, leisure, or pleasure rather than for work or necessity. Example: "Many people enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming during the weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Erect in his seat in a north London pub, his slim 6ft 5in wrapped in layers of fitted menswear, Blake drinks a coffee and indulges in that great British pleasure: the meandering, recreational moan.

The Guardian - Music

The ACMD said that the latest data showed that 7.6% of young people aged 16 to 24 had tried laughing gas in the past 12 months and it was now the second most popular recreational drug in Britain after cannabis.

The Guardian

The state already licenses more than 500 medical marijuana dispensaries, and only those outlets may apply to sell it for recreational use.

The Guardian

The ski resort of Breckenridge decriminalised the possession of small amounts of cannabis and consumption in private for recreational use several years ago.

The Guardian

Under a law passed last summer, synthetic recreational drugs can be sold after tests to determine safety – funded by manufacturers, and then only at licensed shops to adults.

The Guardian - Opinion

This exemption also applies to recreational use, eg by using a mobile phone or camcorder.

The Guardian - Opinion

Simon Spiers said there had been a rise in both competitive and recreational sport as a result of the scheme.

The Guardian

Greg Hunt, the environment minister, said the plans would have "locked out" recreational fishers from Australian waters.

The Guardian

Totally Wicked, which employs 150 people in Blackburn, Lancashire, says rules due to come into force in May 2016 are disproportionate and deprive consumers of an alternative source of "recreational" nicotine.

The Guardian

The use of laughing gas as a recreational drug has increased rapidly in recent years, with more than 400,000 16- to 24-year-olds reporting taking it in the past year.

The Guardian

To show balance, he suggested that the list of winners of the awards was the best-kept secret in America - "with the possible exception of what George W Bush did in the 70s" (a reference to the question the Texas governor is often asked about whether in his youth he had used recreational substances not manufactured by Nike).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recreational", ensure the context clearly indicates that the activity is for leisure and enjoyment, distinguishing it from professional or obligatory activities.

Common error

Avoid using "recreational" when describing activities that have a primary purpose other than leisure, such as therapy or essential tasks. "Recreational therapy", while involving enjoyable activities, has a therapeutic goal beyond simple enjoyment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "recreational" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe activities, facilities, or substances used for leisure and enjoyment, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "recreational" functions as an adjective that describes something related to enjoyment, leisure, or pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms that the usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears very frequently in contexts such as News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "recreational", clarity is key to differentiate activities done for enjoyment from those done out of necessity. For alternatives, consider "leisurely", "fun", or "enjoyable". While the word is versatile, ensuring correct context prevents miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enjoyable

This adjective describes something that gives pleasure or satisfaction.

relaxing

This adjective describes something that helps to reduce stress or tension.

leisurely

This adjective describes something done for enjoyment and relaxation.

pleasurable

This adjective describes something that gives a feeling of happiness or satisfaction.

fun

This adjective describes something that brings enjoyment or amusement.

diverting

This adjective describes something that amuses or entertains.

amusing

This adjective describes something that causes laughter or provides entertainment.

refreshing

This adjective describes something that makes you feel revitalized or renewed.

pastime

This noun refers to an activity done for pleasure or relaxation.

entertainment

This noun refers to activities designed to amuse or interest people.

FAQs

How can I use "recreational" in a sentence?

You can use "recreational" to describe activities done for leisure. For example, "recreational sports" or "recreational reading" indicate that these activities are done for fun.

What are some alternatives to using "recreational"?

Depending on the context, you could use "leisurely", "fun", or "enjoyable" as alternatives to "recreational".

Is it correct to say "recreational activity" or "recreation activity"?

The correct phrase is "recreational activity", where "recreational" is an adjective describing the type of activity. "Recreation activity" is not standard English.

What is the difference between "recreational" and "therapeutic"?

"Recreational" refers to activities done for enjoyment and leisure, while "therapeutic" refers to activities designed to heal or improve health. Something can be both recreational and therapeutic, but they are not synonymous.