she was wed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was wed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing marriage, often in a more formal or literary style. Example: "In a beautiful ceremony, she was wed to her longtime partner under the blooming cherry trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She was wed at fourteen.

The New Yorker

She was wed to Ron Nessen from 1967-1981 and the couple had one child, son Edward Song Nessen.

The New York Times

When Cleopatra came to power it was, in accordance with her father's will, as co-ruler with her 10-year-old brother, Ptolemy, to whom she was wed.

The New York Times - Books

Mrs. Foss declined to give her age, but said that she was a "very young teen-ager" when she was wed.

The New Yorker

When she was born, there were real-live Hohenzollerns, Romanoffs and Hapsburgs, all of them related to the gloomy Saxe-Coburg-Gothas and Battenbergs into whose house she was wed.

The Guardian

The urgent need for action was highlighted by the case of Rawan, an eight-year-old Yemeni girl reported to have died of internal bleeding on the night she was wed to a 40-year-old man.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Blair's one true love is Todd, with whom she's wed an astonishing five times (although two of the those times she married his twin brother Victor, not knowing he was posing as Todd - long story).

Huffington Post

When she began seeing Ebrahim, he already was wed to a woman named Washila.

The New York Times

Mr. Jacobellis was wed while the proceedings were pending.

The New York Times

Eppie was wed in a double ceremony alongside Popo.

The New York Times

He was wed late last summer and is expecting his first child in spring.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was wed" when aiming for a formal, literary, or historical tone. It's particularly suitable in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of tradition or ceremony.

Common error

Avoid using "she was wed" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more common phrases like "she got married" to maintain a natural and contemporary tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was wed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (she) received the action of being married. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with various examples showcasing its use in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was wed" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe a woman's entry into marriage. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it’s best suited for formal, literary, or historical contexts. More common alternatives like "she got married" are preferred in informal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. Remember to choose the phrasing that best matches the tone and register of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she got married

This is a more common and informal way of saying someone was married.

she tied the knot

This is an idiomatic and less formal way to express that someone got married.

she became a wife

This phrase focuses on the resulting status change after marriage.

she was united in marriage

This is a formal way of describing the act of getting married.

she entered into matrimony

This is a formal and somewhat archaic way of saying someone got married.

she took a husband

This phrase emphasizes the action of choosing a spouse.

she exchanged vows

This phrase focuses on the ceremony and promises made during the wedding.

she became Mrs. [Name]

Highlights the change in title after marriage.

she walked down the aisle

This phrase refers to the wedding ceremony itself.

she took the plunge

An idiomatic expression indicating entering marriage.

FAQs

What's a more common way to say "she was wed"?

A more common way to say "she was wed" is "she got married", which is suitable for most modern contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "she was wed"?

It is appropriate to use "she was wed" in formal writing, historical narratives, or when aiming for a literary or traditional tone. For everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are better.

Is "she was wed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "she was wed" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating that she underwent the action of being married.

What are some alternatives to "she was wed" for different contexts?

Alternatives include "she got married" (general), "she tied the knot" (informal), and "she entered into matrimony" (formal).