doting husband

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doting husband" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a husband who is very affectionate and attentive towards his wife or partner. Example: "He is a doting husband, always surprising her with little gifts and gestures of love."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

She doesn't quite address how Julius could have been such a loving father and doting husband and still have placed his family in such jeopardy.

The New York Times

When Vivien is found dead, apparently having killed herself, Rose starts to realise that her daughter's superficially perfect life – rich, doting husband, beautiful house – does not stand up to scrutiny.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Borghese, a banner chef, doting husband and father to multiple grace notes (they have two children in their 20s, and he has a 30-year-old son from a previous marriage), is not possessed of a sales floor mentality.

The New York Times

If most Arabs watch Turkish shows to ogle beautiful people in exotic locales, Arab women have also made clear their particular admiration for the rags-to-riches story of the title character in "Noor," a strong, business-savvy woman with a doting husband named Muhannad.

The New York Times - Arts

Starting on Thursday, Mr. Paone, a devoted father and doting husband who lives in Metuchen, N.J., will take to the stage in his own one-man show, titled, appropriately enough, "Do You Have Anything Closer?" "There were many nights crying in my soup," Mr. Paone said of his life behind the counter.

The New York Times

Vying for runner-up prizes are Christopher Plummer (for The Last Station), Matt Damon for Invictus, Peter Sarsgaard for An Education and Stanley Tucci (a serial killer in The Lovely Bones, a doting husband in Julie & Julia, and more likely nominated for the former).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Our dated notions of who and what a rapist is, I think, leaving the guy-next-door rapists, the loving boyfriends, the doting husbands, oblivious to their own wrongdoing.

Vice

Our dated notions of who and what a rapist are, I think, leaving the guy-next-door rapists, the loving boyfriends, the doting husbands, oblivious to their own wrongdoing.

Vice

Not to be discounted is Hugh Grant, playing Streep's doting onscreen husband in the film.

The Guardian - Film

As well as a sprightly name, Keen has a historical burn scar on her hand she scratches when she's preoccupied, and a doting hipster husband.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

She's our guide through a dark chapter in the lives of Sara (the smashing Karen Olivo) and the men who love her: Michael John Ellison Conleee), her doting, reliable husband, and Tom Will Swensonn), the ne'er-do-well ex-boyfriend with whom she rekindles an affair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doting husband", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the husband's affectionate and attentive behavior towards his wife. Avoid using it ironically unless the irony is evident.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "doting husband" as someone subservient or lacking his own agency. Doting implies affection and attentiveness, not a loss of personal strength or identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doting husband" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "doting", which signifies excessive fondness or affection, with the noun "husband", to describe a man's role in a marriage characterized by such affection. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doting husband" is a descriptive term used to characterize a husband who is excessively affectionate and attentive towards his wife. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase accurately to portray genuine affection rather than implying weakness or subservience. Alternatives like "affectionate husband" or "loving husband" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. The phrase appears frequently in the media, demonstrating its common usage in describing relationships and people's characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doting spouse

Broader term using spouse instead of husband.

affectionate husband

Emphasizes the expression of love and fondness but may not imply constant attentiveness.

loving husband

Focuses on the feeling of love and may not always translate into overt actions.

devoted husband

Highlights dedication and commitment, possibly at the expense of other aspects of life.

attentive husband

Stresses the husband's focus on his wife's needs and desires.

caring husband

Highlights the husband's concern for his wife's well-being and happiness.

indulgent husband

Implies a willingness to fulfill his wife's wishes, even extravagant ones.

supportive husband

Highlights the husband's role in providing emotional and practical support.

smitten husband

Suggests the husband is deeply infatuated with his wife.

adoring husband

Emphasizes the husband's deep admiration and reverence for his wife.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as a "doting husband"?

A "doting husband" is a man who shows excessive love, care, and attention to his wife. He is typically very affectionate and eager to please his partner.

What are some alternative ways to say "doting husband"?

You can use alternatives like "affectionate husband", "loving husband", or "devoted husband", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the term "doting husband" in formal writing?

Yes, while "doting husband" has a slightly informal tone, it is generally acceptable in most writing contexts, including formal ones, as long as it fits the overall tone and purpose. You may choose a more formal synonym like "devoted husband" for extremely formal contexts.

How can I use "doting husband" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a character in a novel, a public figure, or someone you know personally. For example, "He was a "doting husband", always bringing her flowers and making her breakfast in bed."