my other half

USAGE SUMMARY

"my other half" is a commonly used expression in English, and it is perfectly appropriate for use in written English.
It is often used to describe the person who is most important to one's life. For example: "My fiance is my other half - I can't imagine life without him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I remember thinking, on hearing, that we should retool the meaning of the phrase "my other half".

The New York Times

In a rare moment of self-awareness, Jeremy admits to himself that Mark is in fact "my other half, my better half, 'er indoors".

Independent

Kean has been heard to call Hamilton "my other half". Gorton dubbed the two men "the twins" in their private deliberations.

The Washington Post

My first love, my other half.

The New York Times

Jon was my other half".

The New York Times

So I lost my other half.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My other half - and favourite cabbie - Jim.

The Guardian - Travel

Will I ever find my other half?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's my other half on television, but his life is his life".

Independent

"He was my other half, and I will never be whole without him".

The New York Times - Sports

My other half gets bothered if I use my phone too much.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my other half" when referring to a spouse, romantic partner, or someone with whom you share a deep connection. It conveys a sense of completeness and unity.

Common error

Avoid using "my other half" to describe a business partner or a close friend unless there is a strong element of emotional interdependence. The phrase is generally reserved for romantic relationships or familial connections.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my other half" functions as a possessive noun phrase, often used as a term of endearment. Ludwig examples confirm its use in expressing deep affection and connection. It often acts as a subject complement, identifying someone as intrinsically linked to the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my other half" is a very common and widely accepted expression used to describe a significant other, spouse, or someone with whom one shares a deep connection. As indicated by Ludwig, it is generally used in neutral to informal contexts, primarily in news and media. While grammatically correct, it’s essential to use it appropriately, mainly reserving it for romantic or deeply personal connections and avoiding overly formal settings. Related phrases like "my better half" or "my soulmate" offer similar sentiments with slight nuances. Using this phrase effectively enhances your writing by conveying warmth and emotional connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my better half

Emphasizes the positive qualities the person brings to the relationship.

my soulmate

Suggests a deep, spiritual connection.

the love of my life

Highlights the profound love and affection.

my partner in crime

Implies shared adventures and mischief.

my significant other

A more formal and general term for a romantic partner.

my life partner

Highlights the commitment and long-term nature of the relationship.

my beloved

Expresses deep affection and endearment.

my everything

Emphasizes the person's importance in one's life.

my rock

Implies the person is a source of strength and stability.

my confidant

Highlights the trust and intimacy in the relationship.

FAQs

What does the phrase "my other half" mean?

The phrase "my other half" typically refers to a person's spouse, romantic partner, or someone with whom they share a deep and significant connection. It implies that the two individuals complement each other and form a whole.

Is it appropriate to use "my other half" in formal writing?

While the phrase "my other half" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it is best to use more neutral terms such as "my spouse", "my partner", or "my significant other".

What are some alternatives to saying "my other half"?

You can use alternatives like "my soulmate", "my better half", "the love of my life", or "my partner" depending on the context.

Can "my other half" be used to describe a close friend?

While it's more commonly used for romantic partners, describing a close friend as "my other half" can work if you share an extremely deep and intertwined connection, implying that you complement each other significantly. However, be aware that it may sound unusual or even romantic to some.