What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
divorced
Example
She got divorced last year after being married for 10 years. [divorced: past participle]
Example
He is currently going through a divorce and it's been a difficult process. [divorce: noun]
single
Example
She's been single for a while now and is enjoying focusing on her career. [single: adjective]
Example
He's never been married and is content with his life as a single man. [single: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Single is more commonly used than divorced in everyday language. Single is a versatile term that can be used to describe someone's current relationship status or lack thereof. Divorced is less common and is typically only used to describe someone who has gone through a legal process to end their marriage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between divorced and single?
Both divorced and single can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, divorced may be more formal due to its legal implications and the fact that it is often used in official documents such as legal forms or government records.
