we eloped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we eloped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a couple secretly marries, often without parental consent or knowledge. Example: "After months of planning, we eloped to a beautiful beach and exchanged our vows at sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

We eloped four months later.

The New York Times - Arts

They answered with shared laughter: "We eloped".

The New York Times

We met, and two months later we eloped to Amalfi".

The New York Times

"We eloped," Mr. Lokkins said in his Manhattan apartment one recent afternoon, before breaking into song.

The New York Times

We eloped in Las Vegas in 2006, so we didn't have a first dance.

The Washington Post

Language Police 1, Gay Marriage 0. We eloped on April Fools' Day because we are both, in fact, fools.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Since we had eloped, wedding present cookbooks took a while to catch up with us.

The New York Times

"I turned to Susan and said 'Let's get married tomorrow,' and we actually eloped with our daughter Katie and got married in City Hall," Dr. Cooksey said.

The New York Times

"We are so busy that we finally just came to terms the other night and were like, 'So, we change our minds and we want to elope.' We just got so overwhelmed by it – all the decisions". The wedding will now include only the couple, the groom's two children and a minister.

HuffPost

"We are so busy that we finally just came to terms the other night and were like, 'So, we change our minds and we want to elope.' We just got so overwhelmed by it -- all the decisions," Clarkson told People at the time.

Los Angeles Times

"We are so busy that we finally just came to terms the other night and were like, 'So, we change our minds and we want to elope.' We just got so overwhelmed by it -- all the decisions," the "American Idol" winner told People on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we eloped" to convey a sense of spontaneity and intimacy in the marriage, often implying a decision made without extensive planning or family involvement. It's effective for storytelling and personal narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "we eloped" in formal or professional settings where a more neutral description of the marriage is appropriate. Opt for phrases like "we married" or "we had a private ceremony" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we eloped" functions as a concise declaration of a couple's marital status, emphasizing the manner in which they were married. As Ludwig AI explains, it follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we eloped" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a private or secret marriage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, although it's best to avoid it in strictly formal settings. Its communicative power lies in its ability to convey spontaneity and intimacy. It is frequently encountered in "News & Media" but also in "Academia". Alternatives like "we secretly married" can be used to vary the expression while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We secretly married

Emphasizes the secrecy of the marriage.

We had a private wedding

Focuses on the intimacy and exclusivity of the ceremony.

We ran off to get married

Highlights the spontaneous and adventurous nature of the decision.

We tied the knot in secret

Uses a more idiomatic expression for a clandestine marriage.

We exchanged vows privately

Focuses on the personal exchange of commitments.

We had an unannounced wedding

Highlights the lack of prior notification.

We slipped away to marry

Implies a quiet and discreet departure for the wedding.

We solemnized our vows alone

Emphasizes the act of making vows without witnesses.

We had a clandestine marriage

Uses a more formal term for a secret marriage.

We quietly wed

Simply conveys the idea of marrying without fanfare.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "we eloped"?

Saying "we eloped" means a couple married in a sudden and secret way, typically without the knowledge or consent of their parents or family. It often implies a romantic or adventurous decision.

Is it grammatically correct to say "we eloped"?

Yes, "we eloped" is grammatically correct. The verb 'elope' is used intransitively, meaning it doesn't take a direct object. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure.

What are some alternatives to saying "we eloped"?

You can use alternatives like "we secretly married", "we had a private wedding", or "we ran off to get married" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does eloping differ from a traditional wedding?

Eloping typically involves a small or non-existent ceremony, often without the presence of family or friends, and is usually planned in secrecy. In contrast, traditional weddings are larger, more formal events with extensive planning and the inclusion of guests.