What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
marriage
Example
They had a beautiful wedding ceremony and are now officially married. [married: adjective]
Example
Marriage is a serious commitment that involves mutual respect and understanding. [marriage: noun]
union
Example
The two companies formed a union to increase their bargaining power. [union: noun]
Example
The couple entered into a civil union to enjoy the legal benefits of marriage. [union: noun]
Example
The workers went on strike to demand better wages and working conditions from their union. [union: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Marriage is more commonly used than union in everyday language, especially when referring to a romantic relationship. Union is more commonly used in legal or business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between marriage and union?
Union is typically associated with a more formal tone, while marriage can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
