pregnant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pregnant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a woman who is expecting a child. For example: "My sister is pregnant with her first child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the last clouds wagon-train off, loincloth and invocation will be the one hope for last woman and last man discovering she's pregnant.

The Guardian

At six weeks pregnant, she found a trusted doctor known among her circle of friends who would carry out abortions from his clinic in a hospital.

The Guardian

"We have a lot of bad problems, like hysterectomies, like bleeding, like women not able to be pregnant again.

The Guardian

The sick and pregnant must travel by boat to Bandar Abbas to see specialists.

The Guardian

In addition, up to 80% of medical students are women, and many start families soon after qualifying – one practice in east London currently has five pregnant GPs and has not had a single application to cover the soon-to-be empty posts.

The Guardian - Opinion

The pledge not to lock up pregnant women and the victims of trafficking and sexual abuse is also long overdue.

The Guardian

Should women who drink excessively while pregnant be criminalised?

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'll enjoy seeing my pregnant wife, I'll enjoy seeing a few sheep," Cook said of his plans for that much discussed return, which will include significant discussions with Andy Flower, the head coach, and Paul Downton, managing director of England cricket, regarding the team's immediate future.

The Guardian - Sport

Two of the people, a pregnant woman and a man, have been taken to a hospital for unknown treatment, he added.

The Guardian

Next, he took on healthcare – with some of the worst infant mortality rates in the world, Sierra Leone's programme to abolish user fees for children under five and pregnant mothers was an ambitious and impressive programme of reform.

The Guardian

In my years of caring for pregnant women before we had scans to determine the sex of their babies, this was one of the commonest questions they asked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure you're using "pregnant" to describe a biological state, not as a metaphor unless the context makes it clear. Metaphorical usage can sometimes be insensitive.

Common error

Avoid using "pregnant" metaphorically when describing non-biological situations unless it's clearly understood and acceptable in the context. Overusing the term can diminish its significance or cause unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The word "pregnant" functions primarily as an adjective, describing the state of carrying a developing offspring within the body. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is correct and well-established in English. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying nouns like "woman", "wife", and "mothers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pregnant" is most commonly used as an adjective to describe the state of carrying a developing offspring. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. Examples from The Guardian and other reputable news sources demonstrate its wide application. While slang alternatives exist, it's advisable to use "pregnant" in neutral to formal contexts for clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting a baby

Replaces the single word with a phrase indicating anticipation of childbirth.

with child

An older, more formal way of saying pregnant.

carrying a child

Focuses on the physical act of gestating a baby.

in a family way

Euphemistic expression for being pregnant.

eating for two

Humorous phrase suggesting increased appetite during pregnancy.

gravid

Technical term, mainly used in medical or scientific contexts.

expectant mother

Focuses on the role and status of the pregnant woman.

carrying developing offspring

A biological description emphasizing the process of fetal development.

in an interesting condition

A discreet and old-fashioned way of saying pregnant.

gestating

A scientific term referring to the period of development inside the womb.

FAQs

How can I use "pregnant" in a sentence?

You can use "pregnant" to describe a woman or female animal carrying a developing fetus. For example, "She is six months pregnant" or "The dog is pregnant with puppies".

What are some alternative ways to say "pregnant"?

Alternatives include "expecting a baby", "with child", or "in a family way", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use slang terms for "pregnant" in formal writing?

No, slang terms for "pregnant" are generally not appropriate in formal writing. Stick to more neutral or formal terms such as "expecting" or "carrying a child".

What's the difference between "pregnant" and "expectant"?

"Pregnant" specifically refers to the state of carrying a developing fetus, while "expectant" can also refer to someone who is anticipating something, not just a baby. For example, you can say "expectant parents" or "expectant of a promotion".