previously married

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "previously married" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has been married in the past but is no longer married. Example: "She is currently in a relationship, but she was previously married for ten years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both had been previously married.

The New York Times

The bridegroom was previously married.

The New York Times - Style

Robertson was previously married many years ago.

The New York Times

He was previously married to Linda Nix.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was previously married to Jennifer Bitterman.

The Guardian

She was previously married and divorced.

The New York Times - Style

Previously married to Dita Naylor-Leyland.

The New York Times

"Rex has been previously married," had shrilled Lady Marchmain.

The Guardian - Books

Previously married to Ottilie R. Sandrock who predeceased him.

The New York Times

The bridegroom was twice previously married and divorced.

The New York Times - Style

Shelly was previously married to Selma Pollets Roen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's marital history, use "previously married" to clearly indicate that they were married in the past but are no longer married. This avoids ambiguity about their current status.

Common error

Avoid using "previously married" when the person is currently remarried, which can be misleading. Instead, specify the previous marriage(s) and current marital status separately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "previously married" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (person, individual, etc.). It indicates a past marital status. Ludwig shows that it's used to provide context about someone's relationship history.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "previously married" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone who has been married in the past. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a descriptive adjective and is frequently used in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias contexts. The analysis shows its neutral register and the availability of synonyms like "formerly married" for slightly more formal contexts. When writing, ensure you use "previously married" when the person is no longer married to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of specifying divorced or widowed if the reason the marriage ended is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formerly married

This alternative offers a slightly more formal tone.

had been married

This alternative provides a more descriptive expression indicating the past state of marriage.

previously wed

This is a more concise and slightly less formal alternative.

once married

This alternative emphasizes the past nature of the marriage.

married before

This phrase is a more direct and simple way of expressing the idea.

with a prior marriage

This option highlights the existence of a previous marital union.

already married

This alternative emphasizes the experience of marriage.

not their first marriage

This phrase indicates that the current marriage is not the individual's first experience with marriage.

divorced

This is a specific term for those whose previous marriage ended in divorce.

widowed

This is a specific term for those whose previous marriage ended due to the death of their spouse.

FAQs

How can I use "previously married" in a sentence?

You can use "previously married" to describe someone's marital history, such as "She is currently single, but she was "previously married" for ten years".

What are some alternatives to saying "previously married"?

Alternatives include "formerly married", "once married", or stating the specific marital status such as divorced or widowed if applicable.

Is it correct to say "previously married" or should I use another phrase?

"Previously married" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Other options, like "formerly married", offer a slightly more formal tone, but "previously married" is widely accepted.

What is the difference between "previously married" and "divorced"?

"Previously married" is a broader term indicating any past marriage, while "divorced" specifically indicates that the past marriage ended in a legal divorce. Someone who is "widowed" is also "previously married", but not divorced.