they wed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they wed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of getting married, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "After years of dating, they wed in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They wed in private and told their families about their union post-wedding.

Huffington Post

They wed in 1830.

The New York Times - Books

They wed two months later.

The Guardian - Sport

They wed in Morocco in 2000.

The New York Times

Improbably, they wed in 1982.

The New York Times - Arts

They wed six months after meeting.

The New York Times

She was 21 when they wed.

The New York Times - Sports

They wed on December 26 , 1955in London.

The New York Times

They wed in 2004 and now have two daughters.

The New York Times

They wed in 2009 after both were widowed.

Princeton University

They wed in an Episcopal church outside Newburgh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they wed", ensure the context is appropriate. It may sound out of place in very casual or modern settings where more common phrases like "they got married" are preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "they wed" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound stilted or unnatural, making your writing seem overly formal or out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they wed" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a marriage has taken place. Ludwig examples show its use across various news sources. As Ludwig AI states, it is a correct and usable phrase, indicating it adheres to grammatical standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they wed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote marriage, as validated by Ludwig. Primarily found in journalistic contexts, it offers a slightly more formal alternative to more common phrases like "they got married". While its usage is widespread across news and media, its applicability in casual conversation might be limited due to its elevated tone. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase, further solidifying its status as a valid option for conveying marriage events. When aiming for a formal or slightly literary tone, "they wed" is a suitable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they got married

More common and less formal alternative using "got married" instead of "wed".

they were married

Passive voice construction emphasizing the state of being married.

they tied the knot

Idiomatic expression for getting married, implying a commitment.

they exchanged vows

Focuses on the ceremony and the promises made during the wedding.

they became husband and wife

Highlights the change in status after the marriage.

they solemnized their union

Formal and legalistic way of describing the marriage.

they walked down the aisle

Focuses on the wedding ceremony itself.

their wedding took place

More about the event than the couple.

they entered into matrimony

Formal term for marriage.

they made it official

Informal expression indicating that the relationship was formalized through marriage.

FAQs

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

"They wed" is a more formal or literary way of saying "they got married". The latter is more common in everyday speech.

Is it correct to say "they wed"?

Yes, "they wed" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe a couple getting married, although it's less common than phrases like "they married" or "they got married".

What can I say instead of "they wed"?

You can use alternatives like "they married", "they got married", or "they tied the knot" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "they wed" most appropriate?

"They wed" is most appropriate in formal writing, historical narratives, or when aiming for a slightly elevated or literary tone. Avoid in casual conversation, where "they got married" is generally preferred.