get divorced

USAGE SUMMARY

"get divorced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a couple that is currently married and wishing to end the marriage. For example: "After many years of trying to fix their crumbling marriage, John and Mary decided to get divorced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Better to get divorced".

The New Yorker

They get divorced.

The New Yorker

Never get divorced.

The New York Times

I can't get divorced".

The New York Times

We can't get divorced.

The New York Times - Arts

People get divorced.

The Guardian - Music

Not how to get divorced.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Got divorced.

The New York Times

You're getting divorced.

Cornell University

I got divorced.

Stanford University

He got divorced.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the end of a marriage, consider the emotional impact on those involved. Use sensitive language and avoid judgmental terms.

Common error

Avoid saying someone is "divorced from" their spouse when you mean they "got divorced". "Divorced from" usually means separated from or disconnected from something else entirely.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get divorced" is that of a verb phrase, acting as the predicate of a clause. Ludwig highlights its usage across various contexts, illustrating its role in describing the action of legally ending a marriage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get divorced" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the act of legally ending a marriage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, and maintains a neutral register. While alternatives such as "file for divorce" or "dissolve the marriage" exist, understanding the subtle differences in formality and emphasis is key to effective communication. Remember to use sensitive language when discussing the topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divorce

The noun form of the verb phrase, referring to the legal end of a marriage.

file for divorce

Focuses on the legal action initiated to end a marriage.

seek a divorce

Similar to 'file for divorce', emphasizing the pursuit of legal dissolution.

end the marriage

A more general way to describe the termination of a marital union.

dissolve the marriage

A formal and legalistic way to refer to ending a marriage.

terminate the marriage

A more formal and legalistic term for ending a marriage.

separate

Implies living apart, often as a precursor to divorce.

split up

An informal way to describe the end of a relationship, including marriage.

call it quits

An informal way to say to end a marriage or partnership.

go their separate ways

Focuses on the diverging paths of the individuals after the relationship ends.

FAQs

Is "get divorced" formal or informal?

"Get divorced" is generally considered neutral in tone and appropriate for most contexts, from news reports to casual conversation. More formal alternatives include "dissolve the marriage" or "terminate the marriage".

What's the difference between "separate" and "get divorced"?

"Separate" implies that a couple is living apart, but not necessarily legally divorced. To "get divorced" means to legally end the marriage.

What are some alternatives to "get divorced"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "file for divorce", "end the marriage", or "split up".

How do you use "get divorced" in a sentence?

You can use "get divorced" to describe the action of ending a marriage, as in: "After years of unhappiness, they decided to get divorced." Alternatively, you can use past participle as: "They got divorced last year".