Definition and pronunciation
have intercourse — a formal phrase meaning to have sexual intercourse between consenting adults.
Pronounced /hæv ˈɪn-tər-ˌkɔrs/.
Easy explanation
Have intercourse is a polite, clinical way to say have sex. Doctors, educators, and official documents use it because it is clear and neutral.
Part of speech and grammar
- Verb phrase: have + intercourse
has/had/having intercourse - Often followed by with + person: had intercourse with a partner
- Modifiers commonly used before intercourse: consensual, protected, unprotected, vaginal, anal, oral, premarital, marital
Register and tone
Formal, clinical, and neutral. Suitable for health, legal, and educational contexts.
Connection to sexuality
Yes. The phrase directly refers to sexual activity. In medical and legal writing, it often specifies a particular type of sexual act for clarity and safety guidance.
Common collocations
- have sexual intercourse
- have intercourse with [someone]
- protected/unprotected intercourse
- consensual intercourse
- premarital/marital intercourse
- vaginal/anal/oral intercourse
- intercourse during/after [time or condition]
Idioms and set phrases
- sexual intercourse — the fully explicit, standard term
- intercourse took place — formal past-reference in reports
- The noun intercourse alone can mean “communication or dealings” in older or formal style, but have intercourse in modern English is almost always sexual.
Prepositions and nuance
- with [someone] — identifies the partner
They had intercourse with each other after discussing boundaries. - during [time/condition] — timing or medical context
Intercourse during pregnancy may be safe when a clinician approves. - without [protection/consent] — absence; critical ethical/legal meaning
Intercourse without consent is a crime. - after/before [event] — sequence
They waited until after marriage to have intercourse.
Word comparisons
- have sex — plain, widely used; less formal than have intercourse
- make love — romantic and tender in tone
- be intimate — polite euphemism that may include nonsexual closeness
- copulate — very technical/biological
- sleep with — common euphemism in general media
- relations / sexual relations — formal, slightly dated
Real-life examples
- The pamphlet explains how to reduce STI risk when having intercourse.
- They chose not to have intercourse until they felt ready.
- The study measured how many participants reported intercourse in the previous month.
- Policies emphasize consent before any intercourse occurs.
- After surgery, the doctor advised waiting before having intercourse.
Sample sentences
- Teens should learn about safer ways to have intercourse, including barrier methods.
- They discussed boundaries and decided not to have intercourse yet.
- The clinician asked whether the couple experienced pain during intercourse.
- Consent must be clear and ongoing whenever partners have intercourse.
Synonyms
have sex, sleep with, make love, be intimate, engage in sexual relations, copulate, have sexual relations
Antonyms
abstain, practice celibacy, remain platonic, refrain, say no
Related terms
consent, contraception, barrier methods, STI prevention, safer sex, intimacy, sexual health, partner, fidelity, monogamy, hookup
Notes and etiquette
Use precise modifiers when clarity matters in health or legal contexts. Center consent, mutual respect, and safety. Avoid ambiguous phrasing when medical accuracy is needed.
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