as a dowry

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a dowry" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is given as a gift or payment in a marriage or engagement. Example: The bride's family presented a lavish house to the couple as a dowry, along with a sizeable sum of money.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Who wants a gold bar as a dowry?

The Economist

Artois, which came under his control as a dowry with his first wife, was fully secured in 1212.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They take on Rover debt-free, and are aided by a £427m loan from BMW, repayable in 2049 – described as a "dowry" in the press.

The Guardian - Business

As for the farm, it was offered by the Duke of Bedfordshire in the 18th century to the Mount Edgecombe estate as a dowry for his daughter.

The Guardian - Travel

Matty claimed the pier leadership as a dowry because of his marriage with Bad Bill's widow, but his title was not confirmed and Matty lives.

The New Yorker

If Egypt had any intention of attacking Israel, Solomon's power forestalled Siamon, who presented Gezer to Israel as a dowry in the diplomatic marriage of his daughter to Solomon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They negotiated a deal with conditions that included a dowry as well as obligations on the woman to provide for her husband's home.

Huffington Post

Given as part of a dowry to King Charles II in 1662, it became a darling of the Empire.

The Guardian - Travel

They became a part of Scotland only in 1468, when they were pawned by Christian I of Norway and Denmark, as part of a dowry for his daughter's marriage to James III of Scotland.

The Economist

His mother sold gold she received decades ago as part of a dowry, her only financial safety net.

Vice

For King Henry, this was a prestigious match; for Henry V, it was an opportunity to restore his financial situation and fund an expedition to Italy, as he received a dowry of £6,666 from England and Normandy.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a dowry", ensure it clearly describes items or assets transferred during a marriage arrangement. Be specific about what's being given. For instance, clarify if it's land, money, or goods.

Common error

Avoid using "as a dowry" in contexts where dowries are not culturally practiced or understood. Using it inappropriately can lead to misinterpretations or offense. Ensure your audience is familiar with the concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a dowry" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the purpose or condition under which something is given or transferred. It clarifies the intention behind the provision of assets, referencing a marriage custom. Ludwig AI confirms this function based on numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a dowry" is a prepositional phrase used to define the purpose of a transfer of assets within the context of marriage arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and predominantly found in neutral to formal contexts, such as news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its cultural connotations and ensure clarity regarding the specific assets being transferred. Related phrases like "by way of dowry" or "in the form of a dowry" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by way of dowry

This alternative uses "by way of" to indicate the means or purpose of the dowry, slightly emphasizing the method of provision.

in the form of a dowry

This emphasizes the specific form or type of the dowry being given, highlighting its composition.

as part of her dowry

This highlights that the item is just one component of a larger dowry.

given as dowry

This shortens the phrase, placing more emphasis on the act of giving.

provided as a dowry

Replaces "given" with "provided," emphasizing the act of supplying the dowry.

furnished as dowry

Synonymous with “provided as dowry” but slightly more formal.

serving as a dowry

This phrasing highlights the function or purpose of the item.

constituting a dowry

Implies that something entirely makes the dowry. It has a slightly more formal tone.

for use as a dowry

Focuses on the intended use of the item specifically for the purpose of a dowry.

intended as a dowry

Emphasizes the intent behind the giving of the dowry.

FAQs

How to use "as a dowry" in a sentence?

You can use "as a dowry" to describe assets given during a marriage. For instance, "The family offered land "as a dowry" to secure the marriage alliance."

What can I say instead of "as a dowry"?

Alternatives include "by way of dowry", "in the form of a dowry", or "given "as a wedding gift"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as a dowry" when discussing modern marriages?

While dowries are less common in many modern cultures, it's still accurate to use "as a dowry" if assets are transferred during a marriage arrangement. However, be mindful of the cultural context and potential sensitivities.

What's the difference between "as a dowry" and "bride price"?

"As a dowry" refers to assets provided by the bride's family to the groom or the married couple. "Bride price", conversely, is payment made by the groom or his family to the bride's family. They represent transfers in opposite directions.