The Correct Usage of 'Married to' vs. 'Married With'

When discussing marriage, the phrases 'married to' and 'married with' are often used interchangeably. However, their usage can slightly alter the meaning and tone of a sentence. In this article, we will delve into the correct usage of these phrases and explore the nuances behind them.

Correct Phrases and Their Meanings

Both 'married to' and 'married with' are correct, but they carry different connotations:

Married to

'Married to' is a more direct and generally accepted phrase in modern language. It clearly indicates a marital relationship, without any additional implications about the reason or the spouse#39;s specific qualities. For example:

Jane got married to someone she loved. He got married to someone he dreamed of.

Married with

'Married with' is less common and carries a slightly different meaning. It can sometimes imply a more deliberate or formal marriage or a more specific context, such as a long-term relationship. However, its usage is quite rare and often considered stilted in everyday language:

She got married with someone he loved. He got married with someone he dreamed of.

While both phrases are correct, the choice between them depends on the intended connotation and the context of the sentence.

Grammar and Usage in Practical Life

There are specific grammatical rules and conventions that determine which phrase to use in certain contexts. For instance, in formal references to deceased persons, the phrase 'the husband of' or 'the wife of' is commonly used, but not 'the husband to' or 'the wife to'. This archaic style is used in obituaries and historical documents but is not appropriate for modern usage:

Husband of

In Jim is the husband of Jane.

Jim is Janes husband.

Note that 'of' is typically used when referring to a deceased person's marital status.

Modern English Grammar

Modern English grammar prefers the use of the apostrophe-S ('s) to indicate possession. This form is simpler and more understandable:

Example Sentences

Jane's husband

The woman's husband

There's nothing informal about the apostrophe-S. It is the genitive possessive, not a contraction like there's. It has been in continuous use since 12th-century Middle English as a continuation of the Old English genitive case.

Avoiding Archaic Phrases

Phrases like 'husband of' and 'wife of' are archaic and should be avoided in most modern contexts, especially in news and contemporary writing. There are instances where it could cause confusion or be perceived as outdated. For example, in news articles, using 'husband to' can get you fired, as it is considered dated and inappropriate:

Why Avoid 'Husband to'?

Even my Victorian-era-born grandmother 1882-1982 couldn't fathom why anyone would ever use 'husband to' due to its funereal connotations.

Modern language experts recommend using 'husband's', 'wife's', or 'spouse's' to indicate a marital relationship with clarity and coherence.

Conclusion

Remember, the choice between 'married to' and 'married with' depends on the intended meaning and the audience. When dealing with formal references or obituaries, 'the husband of' or 'the wife of' is appropriate. In all other contexts, modern usage prefers 'husband's', 'wife's', or 'spouse's' to indicate possession and maintain clarity and coherence.

Key Takeaways:

'Married to' is the standard and generally accepted phrase in modern language. 'Husband of' and 'wife of' are archaic and should be avoided in most modern contexts, especially in news and formal writing. Use 'husband's', 'wife's', or 'spouse's' for clear and appropriate modern usage.