they were intimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were intimate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a close, personal relationship between individuals, often implying a romantic or sexual connection. Example: "After years of friendship, they were intimate, deepening their bond in ways they had never anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

They were intimate and one of a kind.

The New York Times

One night he was in a wagon with a wealthy, married woman and they were intimate.

The New Yorker

Recorded conversations between the two men revealed that they were intimate companions.

The New York Times

Rabinowitz suggested that their relationship went well beyond that of "protector" and "protectee", and that they were intimate business partners.

The Guardian

I knew they were intimate, platonic friends, I knew Eileen had a child, that was all, initially.

The New Yorker

Suspects were often weirdly comfortable with opening up – they were intimate in a way we're often not in our closest relationships.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They are intimate portraits that raise some of the biggest questions in Pakistan today.

The New York Times

They are intimate spaces where we can tell the secrets we dare not reveal elsewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are intimate portraits of people who work in and patronize a New York cafe.

The New York Times - Sports

"The castle is not the street, it is in a private place, and they are intimate pictures".

Independent

Plus, they're intimate with the lines: one clerk is the brother of an Engineered Garments designer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "they were intimate" to convey a sense of deep personal connection, whether emotional, physical, or both. Be mindful of the context, as it can imply varying degrees of closeness.

Common error

While "they were intimate" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing might sound overly sentimental or too suggestive. Opt for more neutral phrases like "they were close" or "they shared a strong bond" for professional or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were intimate" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of close personal connection between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, suggesting it is a grammatically sound way to describe deep relationships.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were intimate" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a close personal relationship, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears most often in News & Media. It's important to consider the context and choose more neutral alternatives like "they were close" in formal writing. It is a versatile phrase which denotes closeness in relationships, which depending on the context might or might not be of sexual nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were close

This alternative is more general and emphasizes emotional nearness without necessarily implying romance or sexuality.

they shared a deep connection

This alternative highlights the depth of the relationship, focusing on emotional understanding and resonance.

they were very familiar

This alternative suggests a high level of acquaintance and ease with each other, but it may lack the emotional depth of "intimate".

they had a special bond

This alternative underscores the uniqueness of their relationship, suggesting a strong and particular connection.

they were deeply involved

This alternative implies a significant level of participation in each other's lives and affairs.

they had a close relationship

This alternative is a more formal way of saying "they were close", emphasizing the established nature of their connection.

they were on very good terms

This alternative focuses on the positive and amicable nature of their relationship, but it doesn't necessarily imply deep emotional connection.

they were like family

This alternative suggests a strong sense of kinship and mutual support, but it may not capture the romantic or sexual undertones of "intimate".

they understood each other well

This alternative highlights the mutual understanding and empathy between them, without necessarily implying deep emotional or physical connection.

they were kindred spirits

This alternative suggests a shared sense of values and beliefs, highlighting a spiritual or intellectual connection.

FAQs

How can I use "they were intimate" in a sentence?

You can use "they were intimate" to describe a close and personal relationship between people. For example: "After years of friendship, they were intimate and shared everything with each other."

What are some alternatives to "they were intimate"?

Alternatives include "they were close", "they shared a deep connection", or "they had a special bond" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "they were intimate" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "they were intimate" may be too informal or suggestive for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral phrase like "they had a close relationship".

What does "they were intimate" imply?

The phrase "they were intimate" suggests a deep personal connection that may include emotional closeness, shared secrets, or even physical intimacy. The exact meaning depends on the context.