ex daughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ex daughter" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly to refer to a former stepdaughter or adopted daughter, but the term does not have a clear meaning in English. Example: "After the divorce, she no longer considered her ex daughter part of the family."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Police say man kills ex-wife, daughter before trying to kill himself.

Los Angeles Times

She has a strained relationship with her ex-daughter-in-law, Linda.

The New Yorker

Mr. Morrison's son (Robert Carlyle) and ex-daughter-in-law (Jessalyn Gilsig), both attractive engineers, are on the case too.

The New York Times - Arts

Still less one about a fictitious sovereign and her dead ex-daughter-in-law, or a fictitious president and his on-camera confessor.

The Guardian - Film

There is Barbara's grudge-bearing (a streak so mean one feels almost sorry for Nancy Reagan, Lauraa's reputation as a college drug source, and ex-daughter-in-law Sharon's tales (since recanted) of cocaine at Camp David.

The New Yorker

The royals, unlike the rest of us, have form: they've got a history of topping ex-daughters-in-law, ex-wives, unwelcome suitors, rivals, priests, and critics.

The Guardian - Opinion

You're right to be concerned that your wealth may someday wind up in the hands of an ex-daughter-in-law.

Forbes

Staying Connected to Your Ex-Daughter-in-Law After Divorce.

Huffington Post

That same year, Ronna Romney, Romney's ex-daughter-in-law (formerly married to G. Scott Romney), decided to seek the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate from Michigan.

Wikipedia

With a national divorce rate of at least 50percentt, you may well live to witness a claim on your (former) home by your soon-to-be-ex daughter-in-law.

Huffington Post

After a second divorce in 1998, she spent holidays with her first ex-husband, her daughter with him, and her second ex-husband, and there was little discomfort.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a relationship that has ended, prioritize clear and respectful language. Instead of "ex daughter", specify the relationship, such as stepdaughter or adopted daughter, followed by 'from a previous marriage' or 'from a former relationship'.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "ex daughter" is a universally understood term. It's often unclear and can be misinterpreted. Always specify the exact nature of the past relationship to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

"Ex daughter" functions as a compound noun, attempting to describe a familial relationship that has ended. However, it's non-standard, and its meaning isn't immediately clear without context. Ludwig AI notes its ambiguity, advising against its use in favor of more precise alternatives.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "ex daughter" may appear in informal contexts like news and media, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect and ambiguous. Ludwig AI suggests that it is better to use more precise terms such as ""former stepdaughter"" or ""daughter from a previous relationship"" to clearly convey the intended meaning. This ensures that there is no confusion about the nature of the familial relationship being described. Therefore, it's best to avoid "ex daughter" in favor of these alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

former stepdaughter

Specifically denotes a stepdaughter from a previous relationship.

previous stepdaughter

Emphasizes the past relationship as a stepdaughter.

daughter from a previous marriage

Clarifies the daughter's relationship to a prior marital union.

former adopted daughter

Specifies a daughter who was previously adopted.

daughter through adoption (now discontinued)

Highlights that the adoption is no longer active or valid.

child from a dissolved adoption

Describes the child in terms of a legally terminated adoption.

daughter from a past relationship

A more general term for a daughter from a previous connection.

estranged daughter

Indicates a state of separation or distance in the relationship.

daughter I no longer have contact with

Directly states the lack of communication or relationship.

biologically unrelated daughter from a previous marriage

A comprehensive description to explicitly clarify a complex family situation.

FAQs

Is "ex daughter" grammatically correct?

No, "ex daughter" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "former stepdaughter" or "daughter from a previous relationship" for clarity.

What does "ex daughter" usually refer to?

"Ex daughter" typically refers to a former stepdaughter or adopted daughter, where the relationship ended due to divorce or other circumstances. However, the term itself is not standard.

Are there alternatives to using "ex daughter"?

Yes, alternatives include "former stepdaughter", "daughter from a previous marriage", or "previous stepdaughter" depending on the context.

Why is "ex daughter" not commonly used?

"Ex daughter" is not commonly used because it is ambiguous. The "ex-" prefix is typically used with spousal relationships (e.g., ex-wife, ex-husband), not familial ones. Clearer phrases are preferred to avoid confusion.