Marry / Get Married / Be Married ESL Lesson
In English, the terms “marry,” “get married,” and “be married” refer to different aspects of the same social institution: marriage. Understanding how each phrase is used can significantly improve your proficiency in English. “Marry” is a verb typically focusing on the action of the subject performing the marriage. “Get married” is a phrasal verb that emphasizes entering into the state of marriage, usually involving a mutual action or agreement. “Be married” describes the ongoing state of being in a marriage. This section will help clarify these distinctions with examples and usage tips to enhance your comprehension and mastery of these terms.
A lot of people get confused about how to use these words. Maybe this will help.
to marry (someone)– this is the general verb. It is the time when people come together as husband and wife. Do not say I married with someone. It is not correct. And do not say I married to someone. It is also incorrect.
Correct example: I married Sam 3 years ago.
to get married– this talks about the time two people got married. It makes us think of the wedding.
Correct example: I got married.
to get married to (someone)– We think of who was married in the wedding. Do not say I got married with someone. It is incorrect.
Correct example: I got married to Sam.
to get married in (someplace)– We think of where the wedding took place.
Correct Example: I got married in Hawaii.
to be married– This means a state of being. Are you married or are you single?
Correct Example: I am married.
to be married (to someone)– Also state of being. But who is married to you?
Correct Example: I am married to Sam.
Conclusion– When you use to marry or to get married, think about the wedding. When you use to be married, think about the person’s life now.
Using “Marry / Get Married / Be Married” Practice Quiz
Now that you’ve learned about the distinctions between “marry,” “get married,” and “be married,” it’s time to test your knowledge. Here are five questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you practice using these terms correctly. After you attempt these questions, check your answers with the provided key to see how well you’ve grasped the concepts.
Check Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of marry.
Check your answers below in the answer key (but answer on your own first!)
1. Is Jim single or married? He ______________________.
2. Who did he marry? He ______________________ Susan.
3. Where did he get married? He ______________________ in London.
4. Is Anna single? No, she ______________________.
5. Who is Anna married to? She ______________________ Juan.
6. What is Jolene going to do this Saturday? She is going to ______________________ Mike.
Frequently Asked Questions Using “Marry / Get Married / Be Married”
“Marry” is used when referring to the action of one person marrying another. For example, “John decided to marry Linda next year.” On the other hand, “get married” refers to the act of entering into marriage and is often used reciprocally. For example, “John and Linda are planning to get married next year.”
Yes, “marry” can be used in the passive form. For instance, “Linda was married by the local priest.”
“Be married” is typically used in the passive voice to describe the ongoing state of being married. It does not focus on the action of the wedding itself. Example: “They have been married for ten years.”
Saying “I am getting married” refers to the near-future plan or arrangement of entering into marriage. It is often used to announce one’s upcoming wedding, implying that preparations are likely underway.
You can ask about someone’s current marital status by saying, “Is he married?” or inquire about future plans by asking, “Is he getting married?” To ask about someone’s past decision to enter into marriage, you might say, “Did he marry her?”
Answer Key:
- is married
- married
- got married
- is married
- is married to
- marry