marriage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "marriage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship. For example, "She's planning her dream wedding to celebrate her marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to promote marriage, defend marriage, encourage marriage.

The Guardian

"Marriage is the union between a man and a woman, has been historically, remains so.

The New York Times

So I don't support gay marriage despite being a Conservative.

The Economist

"I support gay marriage because I'm a Conservative".

The Economist

But frankly I am a marriage man, I am a great supporter of marriage.

The Guardian

I think we should be promoting marriage rather than looking at any other way of weakening it".

The Guardian

The marriage (same-sex couples) bill will now go to the committee stage in the House of Commons.

The Guardian

The equal marriage bill was given an overwhelming second reading by 400 votes to 175, a majority of 225.

The Guardian

He was a fierce opponent of Argentina's decision to legalise gay marriage in 2010, arguing children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother.

The Guardian

After Shad mentioned the words "gay" and "marriage," we heard Peter's wife hiss, "Don't talk to those people!" Peter rolled his eyes slightly, stepped out onto the porch, and shut the door behind him.

The Economist

Male Conservative MPs voted against equal marriage in larger numbers proportionally than their female colleagues, according to a breakdown of the voting figures after the historic debate in parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marriage" to clearly denote the legally or socially recognized union of two people. Be mindful of the specific context, as different terms like "wedlock" or "matrimony" may carry different connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "marriage" interchangeably with terms like "relationship" or "partnership" when referring to a formal union. While these terms can describe the connection between two people, they don't carry the same legal and social weight as "marriage".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "marriage" is as a noun. It refers to the state of being married, the union itself, or the ceremony that initiates the union. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and acceptable word in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "marriage" is a versatile noun widely used to describe the legally or socially recognized union between two individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Its usage spans from formal legal and business contexts to everyday conversations in the news and media. While alternatives like "wedlock" and "matrimony" exist, "marriage" remains the most common and neutral term. Remember to use "marriage" accurately to refer to a formal union, differentiating it from broader terms such as "relationship" or "partnership". Proper usage ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wedlock

A more formal and traditional term for the state of being married.

matrimony

Similar to wedlock, but often used in a religious or ceremonial context.

marital union

Emphasizes the legal and social bond created through marriage.

holy matrimony

Specifically refers to the religious sacrament of marriage.

conjugal relationship

Focuses on the sexual and intimate aspects of marriage.

spousal relationship

Highlights the roles and responsibilities of spouses.

married life

Refers to the day-to-day experience of being married.

state of matrimony

A formal way to describe the legal status of being married.

civil union

A legally recognized partnership similar to marriage, but without the religious connotations.

domestic partnership

A less formal arrangement than marriage, often offering some legal rights and protections.

FAQs

How to use "marriage" in a sentence?

You can use "marriage" to refer to the state of being married, as in "Their "marriage" lasted for fifty years", or to the wedding ceremony itself, as in "You are invited to their "marriage"".

What can I say instead of "marriage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "wedlock", "matrimony", or "civil union".

What's the difference between "marriage" and "wedding"?

"Marriage" refers to the state of being married or the institution of marriage, while "wedding" refers to the ceremony or celebration that marks the beginning of a "marriage".

Is "marriage" always between a man and a woman?

Historically, "marriage" often referred to a union between a man and a woman, but the definition has evolved. Many countries now legally recognize same-sex "marriages".