both spouses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both spouses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two partners in a marriage or committed relationship, emphasizing that the statement applies to each of them. Example: "Both spouses must agree to the terms of the contract before it can be finalized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both spouses are working.

The New York Times

Both spouses have saved their husbands' voices on answering machines.

The New York Times

She advocates involving both spouses in managing their money.

The New York Times

When both spouses were working, the woman might have done most of the cooking and cleaning.

The New York Times

Both spouses still lived with their parents, and Abramović had a strict curfew: ten o'clock.

The New Yorker

The deduction cannot exceed both spouses' total self-employment income for the year.

The New York Times

And both spouses are able to take advantage of the $2 million exemption instead of one.

The New York Times

In fairness to Bainbridge's husband, King reports that both spouses were "stunned" by the proposal.

The Guardian - Books

"So that's both spouses on both sides," the aide pointed out.

The New Yorker

Today, with both spouses often working, that situation is far less common.

The New York Times

The fact that both spouses' incomes will be used to determine eligibility may hurt some couples.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or financial matters, use "both spouses" to clearly indicate that a rule or benefit applies equally to each individual in the marriage.

Common error

While "both spouses" is generally inclusive, be mindful of contexts where specific gender roles or legal distinctions might be relevant. In such cases, clarify whether the statement applies equally regardless of gender or if there are specific considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both spouses" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that what follows applies to each individual within a married couple. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in legal, financial, and social contexts, highlighting the individual roles and responsibilities of each spouse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both spouses" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to each individual within a married couple. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to ensure clarity and precision, particularly in legal, financial, and social contexts. It is used to emphasize that certain rights, responsibilities, or characteristics apply equally to each spouse, avoiding potential ambiguity. While generally neutral in register, its formality can vary depending on the context. When aiming for inclusivity, consider using "both partners" as a broader alternative. When writing, always clarify if the statement applies equally regardless of gender.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both partners

Replaces "spouses" with the more general term "partners", applicable to both married and unmarried couples.

the married couple

Emphasizes the marital status of the pair.

the couple

Refers to the pair as a single unit, rather than emphasizing each individual.

each spouse

Focuses on individuality within the marital relationship.

either spouse

Highlights the individual consideration of one or the other partner.

husband and wife

Specifies the gender roles within the marriage.

married individuals

Emphasizes the marital status and individuality.

the two individuals

A more general phrase that can be used when the relationship is not explicitly stated.

the marital pair

A more formal and less common way to refer to a married couple.

the two parties

A neutral term suitable in legal or formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "both spouses" in a sentence?

You can use "both spouses" to indicate that an action, right, or responsibility applies equally to each member of a married couple. For example, "Both spouses are required to sign the loan agreement."

What's the difference between "both spouses" and "both partners"?

"Both spouses" specifically refers to individuals in a marriage, while "both partners" can refer to individuals in any committed relationship, including those who are not married.

When is it appropriate to use "both spouses" instead of "the couple"?

Use "both spouses" when you need to emphasize the individual responsibilities, rights, or characteristics of each person within the marriage. Use "the couple" when referring to them as a single unit.

Is it always necessary to specify "both spouses", or can I just say "spouses"?

Using "both spouses" clarifies that the statement applies to each individual. If you simply say "spouses", it may be interpreted as applying to the couple collectively rather than individually. Always specify for clarity.