the spouse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the spouse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's husband or wife in a general context. Example: "During the ceremony, the couple exchanged vows, and the spouse promised to support each other through thick and thin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is the spouse a criminal?

The New York Times

OK, now on to the spouse.

The New York Times

The Spouse: Tapping Partnerships in Campaign Finance.

The New York Times

The spouse support clubs (mostly wives) are up and running.

The New York Times

"It's easy to blame the spouse," Olson continued.

The New Yorker

One of the reasons is in fact the spouse.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it's weird how the oldest son becomes the spouse".

The New York Times

" 'Beloved' implies the spouse was very loved," Diane explained.

The New York Times

The rest can then pass tax-free to the spouse.

The New York Times

Or should the draft be forwarded to the spouse?

The New York Times - Magazine

"The spouse needs to be an integral part of the campaign but it is never a good thing when the spouse runs the campaign because the spouse is never objective".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "the spouse" to maintain a neutral and objective tone. This avoids assumptions about gender or relationship dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using "the spouse" when the gender identity of the individual is known and relevant. Instead, use "the husband" or "the wife" for clarity and precision when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the spouse" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in discussing legal matters, personal relationships, and financial planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Huffington Post

8%

Forbes

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the spouse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to a person's husband or wife. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and demonstrates its usage across diverse contexts such as news reporting, scientific research, and formal documentation. Its neutral tone and inclusive nature make it suitable for objective discussions, although more personal terms may be preferable in informal settings. When writing, it is important to know the gender of the partner, unless anonymity or neutrality is specifically required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one's partner

Emphasizes the partnership aspect, applicable to both marriage and other committed relationships.

the husband or wife

Explicitly specifies the gender roles within the marital relationship.

the life partner

Highlights the long-term commitment and shared life experience.

the significant other

A more general term for a person's romantic partner, not necessarily a spouse.

the better half

An informal and somewhat humorous term for a spouse.

the lawfully wedded partner

Emphasizes the legal aspect of the marital relationship.

the companion

Focuses on the companionship aspect of the relationship.

the domestic partner

Refers to a partner in a legally recognized domestic partnership, which may not be a marriage.

the other half

Implies a sense of completeness and unity in the relationship.

the consort

A formal term for the spouse of a reigning monarch.

FAQs

What does "the spouse" mean?

"The spouse" refers to someone's husband or wife. It's a general term used to describe a person's partner in a marriage or civil union.

When is it appropriate to use "the spouse" instead of "husband" or "wife"?

Use "the spouse" when you want to remain gender-neutral or when the gender of the person isn't known or relevant. Otherwise, using "husband" or "wife" provides more specific information.

What are some alternatives to using "the spouse"?

You can use alternatives like "the partner", "the significant other", or "the life partner" depending on the context. Each phrase has a slightly different nuance.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the spouse"?

While grammatically correct, using "the spouse" may sound overly formal or detached in casual conversation. In personal contexts, consider using more relational terms like "my husband", "my wife", or "my partner".