married partners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "married partners" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who are in a legally recognized marriage and are partners in that relationship. Example: "The event is open to all married partners, regardless of their sexual orientation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Since married partners rights' trump everyone else's, the non-married partners don't automatically have a say in end-of-life decisions, funeral arrangements, or inheritance.

Vice

They married partners with more education.

The Economist

In addition, Ms. Rickard said, legally married partners have more rights in the case of a breakup.

The New York Times

The evidence is that marriage is still providing the most stable background because married partners stay together longer".

The Guardian

If benefits specify "married" partners or "spouse", they do not have to be extended to cover unmarried partners.

The Guardian - Money

However, he urged married partners to continue to have sexual relations, except during times set aside for prayer (1 Corinthians 7 3 7).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I am not sure how to introduce her to my friend's married partner.

The New York Times

"I want her to have the things I didn't have" was a typical quote, and what parent, married, partnered or otherwise, hasn't had that thought?

Independent

An architect and his married partner fall in love with a stage actress.

Los Angeles Times

Canon Jeremy Pemberton, 58, married partner Laurence Cunnington in April under England's new law permitting same-sex marriage.

Huffington Post

Only when this applies to everyone - married, partnered, single, established, Millennials, parents or not, men, women - will this be a non-issue.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal rights or benefits, using "married partners" can provide clarity, ensuring both spouses are considered.

Common error

Ensure that when using "married partners", you're not making assumptions about the gender of either partner, especially in contexts where same-sex marriage is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "married partners" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying individuals within a legally recognized marital relationship. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "married partners" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to refer to individuals in a legally recognized marriage. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is most common in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid gender assumptions and ensure clarity, especially in discussions about legal rights. Alternative phrases, such as ""spouses"" or "married couples", can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spouses

Refers to individuals who are legally married to each other; a more formal and concise term.

married couples

Emphasizes the couple aspect of the marital relationship; highlights the pair as a unit.

marital partners

Focuses on the marital aspect of the partnership; slightly more formal.

wedded pair

A more poetic and less formal term for a married couple.

legally married individuals

Highlights the legal status of the marriage; more formal and precise.

lawful spouses

Emphasizes the legality and legitimacy of the marital union.

husband and wife

Specifies the gender roles within the marriage; more traditional and explicit.

life partners (married)

Indicates a deep, committed relationship recognized through marriage.

married duo

Highlights the twosome and their marital bond.

nuptial partners

A formal and somewhat archaic term referring to the married individuals.

FAQs

What is the difference between "married partners" and "spouses"?

"Married partners" /s/married+partners is a descriptive term emphasizing the partnership within a marriage, while "spouses" is a more formal and concise term for individuals legally married to each other.

Is "married partners" different from "married couple"?

While both refer to people in a marriage, "married partners" emphasizes the individual roles and relationship within the marriage, whereas "married couple" highlights the unit or pair as a whole.

When is it appropriate to use "married partners" instead of "husband and wife"?

"Married partners" is more appropriate when you want to be gender-neutral, especially in discussions involving same-sex marriages. "Husband and wife" specifies gender roles, which may not always be relevant or accurate.

Can I use "life partners" interchangeably with "married partners"?

Not exactly. "Life partners" can refer to a committed couple, but not necessarily legally married, whereas "married partners" explicitly indicates a legal marriage. Use "married partners" for legal and formal contexts.