seeing someone

USAGE SUMMARY

"seeing someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when one person is in a romantic relationship with another. For example, "John has been seeing someone for the past six months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each was seeing someone else.

The New York Times

"He's seeing someone else".

The New Yorker

Alas, the author was seeing someone else.

The New York Times

He's not seeing someone else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I hinted that I was seeing someone.

The New York Times

"Fuck HIM," seeing someone go past.

The Guardian - Arts

Because S has started seeing someone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I asked if he was seeing someone else.

The New Yorker

I think you must be seeing someone else!

The New Yorker

"Thank you for seeing someone that was still not there.

The New York Times

She's been seeing someone else, but won't say whom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seeing someone" when you want to describe a romantic relationship that is not yet serious or fully defined. It suggests a degree of casualness and exploration.

Common error

Avoid using "seeing someone" when it's clear the relationship is exclusive and long-term. Phrases like "dating exclusively" or "in a committed relationship" would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seeing someone" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English to describe a romantic relationship that is not necessarily serious or exclusive. Examples show it used in various contexts to denote current romantic involvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seeing someone" is a common idiom used to describe a romantic relationship that is not yet serious or exclusive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly within news and media. It serves to communicate romantic involvement without implying a deep commitment. When writing, remember to avoid using it for relationships that are defined as exclusive and long-term. Alternatives like "dating someone" or "in a relationship with someone" might be better in those cases. Finally, be aware that it's generally a neutral and informal phrase, suitable for conversation and reporting on relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dating someone

Focuses specifically on the act of dating, implying a romantic intent. It's very similar to "seeing someone" but a bit more direct.

seeing each other

Emphasizes the mutual aspect of the relationship, that both people are involved and aware.

going out with someone

Similar to "dating someone", suggesting a regular pattern of dates and romantic involvement.

in a relationship with someone

Indicates a more established and committed romantic connection than "seeing someone".

involved romantically with someone

Explicitly states that the relationship is romantic, leaving no room for ambiguity.

involved with someone

A broader term that can refer to either romantic or platonic relationships but is usually understood as romantic. Less common in everyday speech.

romancing someone

Suggests a more active and intentional pursuit of a romantic relationship.

having a thing for someone

Implies attraction or a crush, potentially leading to a relationship, but not necessarily.

courting someone

More formal and old-fashioned, suggesting a traditional approach to romance.

spending time with someone

A very general phrase that could mean a romantic relationship, but it also might indicate that relationship is not serious, or purely platonic.

FAQs

How do I use "seeing someone" in a sentence?

You can use "seeing someone" to describe a romantic relationship that is not yet serious. For example, "I'm "seeing someone" but it's not exclusive yet."

What's the difference between "dating someone" and "seeing someone"?

"Dating someone" and "seeing someone" are fairly similar, but "dating someone" implies a more intentional and defined romantic connection compared to the more casual ""seeing someone"."

What can I say instead of "I'm seeing someone"?

You could use alternatives such as "dating someone", "going out with someone", or "involved with someone", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I'm seeing someone else"?

Yes, "seeing someone else" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It typically implies that a person is romantically involved with someone other than their primary partner.