Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“There were times when tears came out of me, and I went, ‘OK, John, this is not about an on-again, off-again relationship. This is something more profound.’”
—Singer John Mayer, speaking about the songs on his new album. (Buzzfeed.com)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
casual romantic relationship where two people don’t date each other consistently
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
Romance is a challenge in this modern world! In some countries, your parents or your family might help you find a partner. You might try meeting someone at school or at work. You might ask your friends to introduce you to someone. You might even try online dating… but in the end, how are you going to meet “the one”? Sometimes, relationships don’t work out. Sometimes, you’re not even sure if you are officially dating someone! If you are seeing someone casually, but you are not committed to this person, you might be in an on-again, off-again relationship.
People in an on-again, off-again relationship have a casual connection. They aren’t thinking about getting married, or even about moving in together. They might see each other once in a while. They might live far away from each other and only go on dates when they are in the same place. They might fight a lot and break up, then get back together a few weeks later. For some people, an on-again, off-again relationship can be stressful, but for others, it is just the right amount of romance for their busy lives.
Singer John Mayer just released an album, and some of the songs on it are about his recent breakup. He felt very sad while writing these songs because the relationship he wrote about was serious, not on-again, off-again.
Do people have on-again, off-again relationships in your country?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“They have an on-again off-again thing. They get together whenever he is back in town.”
“They have an on-again, off-again relationship. I think they’ve broken up 5 times already.”
“I really want to get married, but I can’t find a serious relationship. Most of the dating I’ve done has been on-again, off-again.”