sex

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'sex' is correct and usable in written English, but it is important to note that it should be used with caution and sensitivity.
The word sex can be used as a noun to refer to the biological classification of people as male or female, or as a verb to describe a physical act between two or more people. For example: "Recent studies suggest that gender roles are determined by biology, not sex." "This weekend, Jack and Jill decided to have sex together for the first time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Lifestyle

Opinion

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I'm in a successful TV show in a kind of leading man way and it can sometimes feel like your art is being put to one side for your sex appeal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A sex symbol!

The Guardian - Music

Cannes didn't make sex, lies and videotape (the film had already won the audience award at Sundance), but in giving the Palme d'Or to Soderbergh, Wim Wenders' jury gave the new indie cinema the old school's blessing.

The Guardian - Film

Sex, lies had great company in the competition line-up of 1989.

The Guardian - Film

It made an arthouse star of Soderbergh and a heavyweight of his backer, Harvey Weinstein, whose studio, Miramax, would come to define quality American cinema over much of the next decade and, perhaps, help to destroy it too (read Indiewire's excellent piece on sex, lies for more on its legacy).

The Guardian - Film

An apocryphal story says that a few days earlier, the then 22-year-old was at the Cannes film festival, leaving a screening of Steven Soderbergh's sex, lies and videotape.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

The marriage (same-sex couples) bill will now go to the committee stage in the House of Commons.

The Guardian

"If, as seems likely, Ireland vote for marriage equality then Australia will be the only developed English-speaking country that doesn't allow same-sex couples to marry and that will be a major impetus for reform in this country," Croome said.

The Guardian

Many Australians would feel ashamed and embarrassed that their country was lagging behind other English-speaking countries if Ireland's voters endorse same-sex marriage in this week's referendum, advocates said on Thursday.

The Guardian

At the turn of this year Luxembourg became the latest country to legalise same-sex marriage.

The Guardian

South Africa remains the only African country where same-sex marriage is legal, and no countries in Asia have enshrined in law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience and the context when using the word "sex". It can be a sensitive topic, so ensure your language is appropriate and respectful.

Common error

Avoid using "sex" and "gender" interchangeably. "Sex" refers to biological characteristics, while "gender" encompasses social and cultural identities.

Linguistic Context

The word "sex" functions primarily as a noun, referring to biological classifications or sexual activity. It can also function as a verb, though this is less common. As evidenced by Ludwig and Ludwig AI, the term's versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, ranging from scientific discussions to casual conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Film

5%

Music

5%

TV & Radio

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "sex" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, denoting biological classifications, sexual activity, or related concepts. Ludwig and Ludwig AI confirm that it's grammatically correct and very common, although its usage requires sensitivity depending on the context. Its primary contexts include News & Media, Lifestyle, and Opinion, reflecting its widespread application in discussions of biology, society, and culture. While "sex" is often used neutrally, it's essential to distinguish it from "gender" and to remain mindful of audience and context to ensure respectful and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sexual activity

A general term that encompasses various forms of sexual behavior.

sexual intercourse

Refers specifically to the act of physical intimacy between individuals.

sexual relations

A more formal and clinical term for sexual activity.

gender identity

Focuses on an individual's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither, rather than biological characteristics.

making love

A more romantic and affectionate expression for sexual intercourse.

reproductive role

Highlights the biological function of sex in the context of procreation.

sexual orientation

Describes an individual's pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both.

physical intimacy

Emphasizes closeness and affection, which may or may not involve sexual activity.

genitalia

Refers specifically to the external reproductive organs.

carnal knowledge

A formal, often legal, term for sexual intercourse.

FAQs

How is "sex" defined as a biological category?

As a biological category, "sex" refers to the classification of organisms based on their reproductive functions and biological traits. It typically encompasses male, female, and intersex categories.

What is the difference between "sex" and "gender"?

"Sex" refers to biological and physiological attributes, while "gender" is a social construct related to roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of individuals. "Gender" can be independent of "sex".

Can "sex" be used as a verb?

Yes, "sex" can be used as a verb, although it is less common. It can mean to determine the sex of an animal or, informally, to have sexual intercourse.

What are some formal alternatives to "sex" when discussing sexual activity?

Formal alternatives include "sexual intercourse", "sexual relations", or "physical intimacy", depending on the context.