they got married

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they got married' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation in which two people became married, either in the present or past tense. For example: "John and Mary had been dating for 10 years, and finally they got married last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They got married.

The New York Times

Then they got married.

The Times

They got married at 21.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They got married in the building.

The New York Times

They got married and started families.

The New Yorker

Along the way, they got married.

The New York Times

They got married down the street.

The New Yorker

Six months later, they got married.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They get married.

The New York Times

Did they get married?

The New York Times

And then they get married?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a wedding or marriage, ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to in order to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "they got married" without clearly establishing who "they" are, especially in longer texts where multiple couples might be mentioned. Always ensure the antecedent is clear to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

They got married" functions as a simple declarative statement describing the event of two or more people entering into a marriage. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is used to communicate a completed action. The numerous examples from news and media illustrate its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they got married" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that two or more people have entered into a marriage. As indicated by Ludwig, it is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it tends towards informal usage. When employing "they got married", ensure that the referent is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider options like "they tied the knot" or "they wed" to add nuance or formality. The frequent and consistent use of this phrase in reputable sources confirms its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they tied the knot

Employs a more informal and figurative expression for getting married.

they wed

Offers a more concise and slightly formal alternative.

they exchanged vows

Highlights the ceremonial aspect of marriage.

they became husband and wife

Focuses on the resulting roles of the married couple.

they walked down the aisle

Emphasizes the wedding procession.

they made it official

Implies a formal recognition of their relationship through marriage.

they united in marriage

Highlights the joining together of two individuals.

they took the plunge

Uses a playful idiom suggesting a significant commitment.

they said "I do"

Quotes the traditional wedding vow affirmation.

they entered into matrimony

Presents a formal and somewhat archaic way to describe getting married.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "they got married"?

You can use alternatives such as "they tied the knot", "they wed", or "they exchanged vows" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they got married"?

Yes, the phrase "they got married" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Ludwig confirms it is correct and usable.

How can I make the sentence "they got married" more specific?

To provide more detail, you could add the date, location, or type of ceremony. For example, "They got married last summer" or "They got married in a local temple".

What is the difference between "they got married" and "they were married"?

"They got married" emphasizes the action of getting married, while "they were married" describes the state of being married. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.