marital status

USAGE SUMMARY

'marital status' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to whether a person is single, married, divorced, or widowed. For example, "Before filling out the application, she was required to disclose her marital status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Marital status Widowed.

The Guardian

Marital status: Divorced.

The Guardian - Tech

Marital status: Married, three sons.

The Guardian

Gender and marital status are qualitative variables.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What is your marital status these days?

The New York Times - Magazine

The Embassy doesn't allow overnight visitors, regardless of marital status.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later she corrects a client confused by her marital status.

The New York Times - Arts

It referred to martial status, instead of marital status.

The Guardian

SECOND-PARENT ADOPTION Your marital status does not matter here.

The New York Times

And that our marital status does not define us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their child-bearing or marital status is immaterial".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marital status" in formal documents, applications, and surveys requiring precise information about relationship status.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "marital status" as "martial status". "Marital status" refers to a person's state of being married, single, divorced, or widowed, whereas "martial status" is not a recognized term. Remember that "marital" relates to marriage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marital status" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase, commonly found in official forms and surveys.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marital status" is a grammatically correct noun phrase widely used to denote a person's legal relationship status. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to provide or request specific information about whether someone is single, married, divorced, or widowed. The phrase appears most commonly in scientific research and news media, maintaining a neutral to formal register depending on the context. Alternatives such as "relationship status" or "conjugal standing" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Remember to avoid the common misspelling with "martial status" and be mindful of privacy when inquiring about someone's relationship status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relationship status

Focuses on the current state of a relationship without specifying legal implications.

matrimonial state

Synonymous with marital status but less frequently used.

legal relationship status

Emphasizes the legal aspect of the relationship.

domestic partnership status

Specifically refers to the legal recognition of a domestic partnership.

civil union status

Relates to the legal recognition of a civil union.

whether married or unmarried

Directly indicates a binary choice regarding marital status.

conjugal standing

A more formal and less common way of referring to marital status.

partnership status

A general term that can refer to various types of partnerships, including marriage.

family situation

A broader term that encompasses marital status and other family-related factors.

singlehood

Refers specifically to the state of being unmarried.

FAQs

How do I properly use "marital status" in a sentence?

You can use "marital status" to describe a person's legal relationship status. For example, "The application requires you to indicate your marital status".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "marital status"?

Depending on the context, you could use "relationship status", "conjugal standing", or simply ask "Are you married?"

Is it appropriate to ask about someone's "marital status"?

It depends on the context. In professional or formal settings like job applications or legal documents, it is common and often necessary. However, in casual conversation, it might be considered too personal unless relevant to the discussion.

What is the difference between asking about "marital status" and asking if someone is in a relationship?

"Marital status" specifically refers to the legal recognition of a relationship (e.g. married, divorced, widowed). Asking if someone is in a relationship is broader and includes non-legal partnerships.