What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wife
Example
My wife and I are going on vacation next week. [wife: noun]
Example
She is my wife, and I love her very much. [wife: noun]
Example
I am married to my wife, and we have been together for ten years. [wife: noun]
spouse
Example
My spouse and I are celebrating our anniversary next month. [spouse: noun]
Example
He is my spouse, and we have been together for five years. [spouse: noun]
Example
I am legally bound to my spouse through marriage. [spouse: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wife is more commonly used than spouse in everyday language, while spouse is more commonly used in legal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wife and spouse?
Spouse is more formal than wife and is often used in legal or official contexts, while wife is more casual and informal.
