propose marriage

USAGE SUMMARY

"propose marriage" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to ask someone to marry you. For example: "After months of dating, he finally got down on one knee to propose marriage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And then he'd propose marriage.

The New York Times - Books

But some soldiers turn up, and one might propose marriage.

The Guardian - Books

And who would propose marriage on the first date?

The Guardian

Their instant intimacy almost inspired Lowell to propose marriage.

The New York Times

In the winter, Arvid and Lydia meet briefly, but he can't bring himself to propose marriage.

The New York Times - Books

Vassilenko disputes this, too: "The men propose marriage with engagement rings".

The New Yorker

Charlie says to call Old Lady Hofman & propose marriage & he'll pay for the call.

The New Yorker

That night, Ms. Kissam had a strong suspicion that Mr. Lucchino would propose marriage.

The New York Times

I was already in love with Finland; the archipelago confirms that I wish to propose marriage.

Independent

The year 1952 will be a good year to propose marriage.

The New Yorker

When he decided to propose marriage, he wanted it to be a spectacular surprise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a marriage proposal, consider the tone and context. Use "propose marriage" for a straightforward description. For a more colorful or casual description, consider alternatives like "pop the question" or "ask for someone's hand."

Common error

Avoid using synonyms for "propose" that don't fit the context. "Suggest marriage" or "offer marriage" lack the directness and emotional weight of "propose marriage". Ensure the verb clearly conveys the act of asking someone to marry you.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propose marriage" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of asking someone to marry you. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "propose marriage" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of asking someone to marry you. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including news and media, wiki, and business. While it has formal alternatives like "ask for someone's hand in marriage", more casual options such as "pop the question" exist. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the direct and emotional weight it carries. Steer clear of similar verbs such as "suggest" or "offer marriage" that don't quite capture this essence. Overall, "propose marriage" remains a solid and commonly understood choice when discussing marriage proposals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a marriage proposal

A slightly more formal and direct alternative.

ask for someone's hand in marriage

More formal and traditional way of saying propose marriage, emphasizing asking permission from the family.

make a proposal of marriage

A more verbose and formal alternative.

pop the question

An informal and common idiom for proposing marriage.

ask someone to be your spouse

A straightforward and simple alternative.

propose

A shortened version of the phrase, relying on context for clarity.

seek someone's commitment for life

Emphasizes the seriousness and long-term nature of marriage.

get engaged

Focuses on the result of proposing, rather than the act itself.

ask someone to wed

A slightly more poetic and traditional alternative.

suggest matrimony

A formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

FAQs

How to use "propose marriage" in a sentence?

You can use "propose marriage" to describe the act of asking someone to marry you. For example, "He decided to "propose marriage" on their anniversary." or "She hoped he would "propose marriage" soon".

What can I say instead of "propose marriage"?

You can use alternatives like "ask for someone's hand in marriage", "pop the question", or "offer a marriage proposal" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "propose to marry" instead of "propose marriage"?

While "propose to marry" is grammatically correct, "propose marriage" is the more common and direct phrasing.

What's the difference between "propose marriage" and "get engaged"?

"Propose marriage" refers to the act of asking someone to marry you, while "get engaged" describes the state of being promised to be married. One is the action, the other is the result.