exchanged vows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchanged vows" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of a wedding or commitment ceremony where two people make promises to each other. Example: "During the ceremony, the couple exchanged vows in front of their family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They exchanged vows under giant pinwheels.

The New York Times

THEY'VE already exchanged vows and rings once before, say George W. Slowik Jr. and Patrick Turner.

The New York Times

They exchanged vows at a wedding in July before the marriage was legal.

The New York Times

Months later, the couple exchanged vows with their fathers' grudging blessings.

The New York Times

When this groom got married, he also exchanged vows with the bride's sister.

The Washington Post

The couple exchanged vows at the Carlyle on Dec. 7 in a suite overlooking Central Park.

The New York Times - Style

In 1988 Florent Morellet exchanged vows in a civil ceremony with a longtime partner, Daniel Platten.

The New York Times - Food

That changed in the City Hall rotunda as his mothers exchanged vows.

The New York Times

Church manager Greg Smith said the couple looked "ecstatic" as they exchanged vows.

The Guardian

The couple next exchanged vows by encircling a small fire called a Mangal Fera, four times.

The New York Times

Barely three weeks after the couple exchanged vows in Venice, Greek officials are determined not to waste the opportunity.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a wedding or commitment ceremony, use "exchanged vows" to clearly indicate the moment when the couple makes their promises to each other.

Common error

Avoid using "exchanged vows" in contexts other than marriage or commitment ceremonies. The phrase is specific to these events and would sound out of place elsewhere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchanged vows" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically acting as the predicate. It describes the action of a couple making promises to each other during a wedding or commitment ceremony. Ludwig confirms the validity of its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exchanged vows" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, primarily denoting the act of making promises during a wedding ceremony. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and accepted phrase in English. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for describing events objectively. Alternatives include "said their vows" or "made their promises", though these may carry slightly different connotations. When writing, ensure the phrase is used within the appropriate context of a marriage or commitment ceremony to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Said their vows

Focuses on the act of speaking the vows, rather than the exchange.

Took their marriage vows

Highlights the commitment aspect of the vows.

Made their promises

Uses a more general term for the commitments made.

Solemnized their marriage

Emphasizes the formal and ceremonial aspect of the marriage.

Affirmed their commitment

Highlights the commitment and dedication expressed.

Pledged their troth

Uses a more archaic term for pledging fidelity.

Joined in matrimony

Focuses on the act of entering into marriage.

Wedded each other

A simpler way of stating that they got married.

Bound themselves in marriage

Emphasizes the binding nature of the marital agreement.

Contracted matrimony

Refers to the legal agreement of marriage.

FAQs

What does it mean to say that a couple "exchanged vows"?

When a couple /s/exchange+vows, it means they made promises of love and commitment to each other during their wedding ceremony.

Can "exchanged vows" be used in contexts other than weddings?

While primarily used in the context of weddings, "exchanged vows" can be metaphorically used to describe any situation where mutual promises or commitments are made, although this usage is less common.

What are some alternatives to saying a couple "exchanged vows"?

You can use alternatives such as "said their vows", "took their marriage vows", or "made their promises" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "exchanged vows" or should it be "exchange vows"?

"Exchanged vows" is the correct past tense form. "Exchange vows" is the present tense form, which you might use when giving instructions (e.g., "Now, exchange vows").