got divorced

USAGE SUMMARY

"got divorced" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used in the past tense.
You can use it in situations where you are referring to a couple that has already gone through the process of filing for divorce. Example: With so many years of marriage, it was surprising when they got divorced last year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Got divorced.

The New York Times

He got divorced.

The New York Times - Magazine

One just got divorced.

The New Yorker

Then I got divorced.

The New York Times - Magazine

William got divorced.

The Guardian - Music

You got divorced.

The New York Times

"When I was 5, they got divorced.

The New York Times - Magazine

After five years, I got divorced".

The New York Times

Carol and I left and got divorced.

The New Yorker

"He got divorced," Mr. Knoetgen said.

The New York Times

I got divorced for technical reasons.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like divorce, consider the context and audience. Using "got divorced" is acceptable in most contexts, but more formal language might be preferred in legal or official documents. Ensure you maintain a neutral or empathetic tone, especially if the individuals involved may be affected by your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is using "got divorced" in highly formal contexts where a more precise or legal term like "dissolved their marriage" or "obtained a divorce" might be more appropriate. Always consider the formality of your audience and tailor your language accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got divorced" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completed action of legally ending a marriage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English expression. The auxiliary verb "got" combines with the past participle "divorced" to describe a past event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got divorced" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the legal termination of a marriage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s widely accepted in English. With 61 real-world examples predominantly from News & Media, it’s clear that the phrase is frequently used to convey factual information about a couple's marital status. While acceptable in most contexts, it’s essential to consider the audience and formality when choosing between "got divorced" and alternatives such as "ended their marriage" or "dissolved their marriage". This ensures that the language used is appropriate for the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went through a divorce

This emphasizes the process and experience of legally dissolving a marriage.

their marriage ended

A passive way of expressing the end of the marriage.

ended their marriage

This alternative provides a more formal tone and focuses on the termination of the marital union.

dissolved their marriage

This is a formal and legalistic way to describe the end of a marriage.

obtained a divorce

Focuses on the legal achievement of the divorce.

separated legally

This focuses on the legal aspect of the separation, highlighting the formal end of the marriage.

filed for divorce

This alternative highlights the initial legal action taken to end the marriage.

called it quits

An informal way to say a relationship ended.

split up

A more general term for ending a relationship, not necessarily a marriage.

went their separate ways

This focuses on the decision to live separate lives.

FAQs

What does "got divorced" mean?

"Got divorced" means that a marriage has legally ended. The couple involved has completed the legal process to dissolve their marital union.

What can I say instead of "got divorced"?

You can use alternatives like "ended their marriage", "went through a divorce", or "dissolved their marriage" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "got divorced"?

Yes, "got divorced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is used to describe the ending of a marriage.

What is the difference between "got divorced" and "separated"?

"Got divorced" means the marriage has been legally terminated. "Separated" means the couple is living apart, but they are still legally married.