life partner

USAGE SUMMARY

"life partner" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a romantic or marital partner, usually in the context of an intimate relationship. For example: "My life partner and I have been together for almost 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My life partner.

The Guardian

Life partner Tina Oliver.

The New York Times

Loving life partner to Bob Pearl.

The New York Times

Beloved life partner of Mark G. Schoenberg.

The New York Times

Wife, lover, life partner of Gordon.

The New York Times

Honest, unpretentious, forthright and loving life partner.

The New York Times

Life partner to Tony LaRocco.

The New York Times

"He became our life partner".

The Guardian

Life partner of Cara Donaldson , PhD

The New York Times

Beloved life partner of Linda Rosenbluth.

The New York Times

But really, she's my life partner.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing obituaries or announcements, "life partner" offers a respectful way to acknowledge significant relationships that may not fit traditional definitions.

Common error

Don't assume that using "life partner" automatically implies a non-married relationship. While it often does, clarify the situation if necessary to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "life partner" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a person in a committed, long-term relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is standard and appropriate. Examples show it being used to describe relationships in obituaries, personal stories, and general discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "life partner" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a person with whom one shares a committed, long-term relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile term suitable for various contexts, from personal narratives to formal announcements. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider your audience and purpose when choosing between "life partner" and more formal alternatives like "spouse". The phrase sees frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its widespread acceptance and understanding. Remember to avoid assumptions about relationship status and strive for clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spouse

A formal term for a marriage partner.

significant other

A more general term for a romantic partner, not necessarily implying marriage.

long-term companion

Emphasizes the companionship aspect of the relationship.

domestic partner

Often used in legal contexts to describe unmarried couples with similar rights to married couples.

soulmate

Highlights a deep, spiritual connection.

better half

An informal and affectionate term.

partner in crime

Suggests shared adventures and mischief.

main squeeze

A slang term for a primary romantic interest.

steady

An older, somewhat outdated term for a regular boyfriend or girlfriend.

confidant

Emphasizes the trust and sharing of secrets within the relationship.

FAQs

How to use "life partner" in a sentence?

You can use "life partner" to refer to someone with whom you share a committed, long-term relationship, such as, "My "life partner" and I are planning a trip abroad".

What can I say instead of "life partner"?

You can use alternatives like "spouse", "significant other", or "long-term companion" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "life partner" the same as "spouse"?

"Life partner" is a broader term than "spouse". While a "spouse" is someone to whom you are legally married, a "life partner" may or may not be married to you, but shares a similar level of commitment and intimacy.

Is it appropriate to use "life partner" in formal writing?

Yes, "life partner" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when you want to acknowledge a committed relationship without specifying marital status or gender. However, in some contexts, more specific terms like "spouse" or "domestic partner" may be more appropriate.