significant other

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant other" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person (most often a romantic partner) with whom one shares a close bond in their life. For example: "I was grateful I was able to celebrate my birthday with my significant other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Significant other sounds too '80s.

The New York Times

I have not stalked his significant other.

Independent

"My significant other was in Oklahoma".

The New York Times

Her significant other encountered some legal trouble himself.

The New York Times

One might arrive with a significant other or alone.

The New York Times - Arts

There are significant other tax elements apart from the rates.

The New York Times

They may ask if you twerk with your significant other.

The New York Times

Though significant, other attacks have been larger.

BBC

— Record your spouse or your significant other.

TechCrunch

Step 3: Prove your love to a significant other.

Forbes

Such as your close friends and your significant other.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant other" when you want a gender-neutral term to refer to someone's romantic partner without specifying marital status.

Common error

Avoid using "significant other" in very casual conversations; simpler terms like "boyfriend", "girlfriend", or "partner" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant other" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a person with whom one has a close, often romantic, relationship. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to denote a primary relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant other" is a widely accepted and commonly used term for referring to a person's romantic partner in a gender-neutral way, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, generally found in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "partner", "romantic partner", and "life partner" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in extremely informal settings. Therefore, "significant other" can be used effectively in various situations, provided the context aligns with its slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

romantic partner

Focuses specifically on the romantic aspect of the relationship.

life partner

Emphasizes a long-term commitment and shared life.

boyfriend or girlfriend

Specifies the gender and relationship status.

spouse

Refers specifically to a married partner.

domestic partner

Implies a legally recognized partnership without marriage.

better half

An informal and affectionate term for one's partner.

partner in life

Highlights the shared journey and experiences.

main squeeze

A colloquial and playful term for a romantic partner.

significant person

Broader term, not necessarily romantic, but highlights importance.

special someone

Emphasizes the unique and valued nature of the relationship.

FAQs

How to use "significant other" in a sentence?

"Significant other" is used to refer to a person's romantic partner. For instance, "I am planning a surprise party for my "significant other"."

What can I say instead of "significant other"?

You can use alternatives like "partner", "boyfriend", "girlfriend", or "spouse" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "significant other" or "significant other's"?

Both are correct, but they have different uses. "Significant other" is the noun, while "significant other's" is the possessive form, as in, "That is my "significant other's" car".

What's the difference between "partner" and "significant other"?

"Partner" is a more general term that can refer to a business or dance partner, whereas "significant other" almost always refers to a romantic partner. While interchangeable in some romantic contexts, ""significant other"" carries a stronger connotation of emotional importance.