either spouses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either spouses" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used to refer to one of the two spouses in a relationship, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "In the event of a disagreement, either spouse can initiate a discussion to resolve the issue."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

More than four thousand members of the Hai'a patrol in public places, making sure, among other things, that all women and girls past puberty are properly covered, and that men and women who are spotted together are either spouses or close relatives.

The New Yorker

In order to maximise similarities in lifestyle and habits between patients and controls controls were either spouses or genetically unrelated aquaintances of the patients.

Plosone

Family members were either spouses or siblings, aged 61 71 yrs (mean 69 yrs).

BMC Palliative Care

Control subjects were either spouses of AD patients or selected from primary-care practices situated in the same geographical areas as AD patients.

BMC Medical Genomics

Of the 14 invited family caregivers, 13 accepted participation; 3 men and 10 women They were between 38 and 93 years old and were either spouses (n = 8) or children (n = 5) of the patient.

BMC Palliative Care

Control subjects were either spouses of patients attending CFU clinic (n = 13), or a sample of healthy volunteers (n = 72) drawn randomly from a cohort of 767 mentally normal people aged >50 years, resident within the same Greater Manchester region from which the AD and FTD patients were recruited [ 25].

Acta Neuropathologica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The draft envisions that either spouse might be unfaithful.

The New York Times

The rules are more complicated if either spouse is a participant in a qualified retirement plan.

The New York Times

Still, no one raised concerns about how either spouse would fare.

The New York Times - Tech

For example, either spouse's earnings belong to the community, while gifts to one spouse are considered separate property.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If either spouse was previously divorced, the couple cannot apply until they have been married for at least five years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "either spouses" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "either partner" or "one of the spouses" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Common error

The word "either" typically refers to a choice between two options presented individually. Using "either spouses" suggests a collective choice, which is grammatically awkward. Instead, clarify whether you mean "either partner" or "each spouse" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either spouses" functions as a determiner and noun, attempting to specify one of two married individuals. However, Ludwig AI indicates this phrasing is not standard English. While the intent is understandable, the grammatical construction is flawed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "either spouses" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English. The intention is to refer to one of the two partners in a marriage, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Alternative phrases such as "either partner", "one of the spouses", or "each spouse" are recommended for better clarity and grammatical accuracy, especially in formal or legal contexts. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either partner

Emphasizes the individual within a relationship, replacing the specific term "spouse" with a more general term that can apply to various partnerships.

either party

Focuses on the legal or formal aspect of the relationship, suitable for contracts or agreements where each person is a distinct entity.

one spouse or the other

Clarifies the intention to refer to one of the two spouses, adding explicitness to the statement.

one of the spouses

Similar to the previous phrase, but uses a more formal tone and structure.

each spouse

Highlights individuality and separateness in rights or obligations, useful in legal or financial contexts.

any spouse

Broadens the scope to include any spouse in a given scenario, not necessarily limited to a specific couple.

the husband or wife

Specifies the gendered roles within a traditional marriage context, making the reference more explicit.

one member of the couple

Uses more generic wording to refer to any couple.

a marital partner

Formal rephrasing that avoids gender specifics.

a married individual

The phrase emphasizes one's condition, that is, being married.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "either" when referring to partners in a marriage?

Instead of saying "either spouses", use "either partner" or "one of the spouses". The word "either" should be followed by a singular noun.

What does "either spouse" mean?

The phrase "either spouse" refers to one of the two individuals in a marriage. However, the phrasing is slightly awkward. It's better to use "either partner" for better clarity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "either spouses"?

No, "either spouses" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "either spouse", "either partner", or "one of the spouses".

What are some alternatives to "either spouses" in legal writing?

In legal writing, prefer precise terms like "either party", "each spouse", or "one of the spouses" to avoid ambiguity.