serious relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious relationship" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You could use the phrase to indicate a romantic or platonic relationship that is more serious or committed than a casual one. For example: "My friend has been in a serious relationship for several years now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Relationships

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Randy was my first serious relationship.

The New York Times

A deeply committed and serious relationship.

The Guardian - Film

He called it a serious relationship.

The New York Times - Sports

"It makes people talk about wanting a serious relationship.

The New York Times

It's not stupid to want a serious relationship; it's human.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that was a serious relationship – we're now married.

The Guardian - Sport

Nyad has not had a serious relationship in decades.

The New Yorker

I was always ready for a serious relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd had high school boyfriends but never a serious relationship.

The New York Times

Getting into a serious relationship didn't change things, either.

Independent

This is like my first serious relationship, so you don't know what's extreme.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the level of commitment in a relationship, use the phrase "serious relationship" to indicate a bond that goes beyond casual dating and involves significant emotional investment and future planning.

Common error

Avoid using "serious relationship" to describe fleeting or purely physical connections. This phrase implies a depth and commitment that might not be present, leading to miscommunication and inaccurate portrayal of the dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "relationship". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a committed and meaningful connection between individuals. It is often used to differentiate between casual dating and partnerships with long-term potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

30%

Relationships

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a committed, long-term partnership. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies a deeper connection than casual dating. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to personal blogs, maintaining a neutral register. To effectively use "serious relationship", remember that it implies a degree of commitment, emotional investment, and a focus on the future. Consider using synonyms like "committed relationship" or "long-term relationship" to fine-tune your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

committed relationship

Emphasizes the dedication and investment both partners have in the relationship.

long-term relationship

Focuses on the duration and expectation of the relationship's continuation.

meaningful relationship

Highlights the emotional depth and significance of the connection.

stable relationship

Indicates a sense of security, reliability, and consistency within the partnership.

established relationship

Suggests the relationship has been ongoing for a considerable amount of time and is well-settled.

deeply involved relationship

Highlights the high level of emotional investment and interconnectedness.

significant relationship

Emphasizes the importance and impact the relationship has on one's life.

steady relationship

Implies consistency and lack of dramatic changes or instability.

dedicated partnership

Highlights the mutual commitment and shared goals of the couple.

committed partnership

Focuses on the shared values and objectives of the people in the relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "serious relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "serious relationship" to describe a committed and long-term romantic partnership. For example, "They are in a "serious relationship" and are considering marriage."

What's the difference between a "serious relationship" and casual dating?

A "serious relationship" implies a deep emotional connection, commitment, and a focus on long-term compatibility, while casual dating is typically less committed and focused on immediate enjoyment without expectations of a lasting partnership.

What are some signs that a relationship is becoming "serious"?

Signs include consistent communication, spending significant time together, discussing future plans as a couple, meeting each other's families and friends, and prioritizing the relationship's needs.

What can I say instead of "serious relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "committed relationship", "long-term relationship", or "meaningful relationship" to describe a deep connection.