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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Understand conversational expressions for getting married, from formal announcements to playful chat.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode explains “tie the knot” as an informal way to say that two people are getting married. It also compares the more formal “wed” with the very informal “get hitched” and describes knot-tying as an image of a lasting bond. The source notes that some websites connect handfasting to ancient Celtic tradition, while presenting it as a reported claim rather than a settled origin.
Cultural note: “Tie the knot” is familiar and informal; “get hitched” is more playful and very casual, while “wed” suits formal announcements. Marriage customs differ, and the story’s handfasting history should not be treated as the single origin of the idiom.
Keep exploringA wedding announcement can sound warm, formal, or playful. Choose the expression that fits your relationship with the listener and the setting.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Choose between a familiar idiom and a more formal expression.
Meaning
Get married.
Tone & use
A common, informal idiom for marriage. It is suitable for friendly conversation and announcements but less formal than “marry” or “wed.”
Example
“Nina and Joel are tying the knot in a small ceremony this summer.”
Meaning
Get married.
Tone & use
Very informal and often playful. Use it with friends or in a lighthearted setting, not in a formal announcement.
Example
“My cousins are getting hitched next month, and they invited the whole family.”
Meaning
Be married or become married.
Tone & use
More formal or literary than “get married.” It often appears in announcements, ceremonies, or formal writing.
Example
“The couple will be wed at the garden ceremony on Saturday.”
Talk about rituals and the images people use to describe commitment.
Meaning
A ceremony in which a couple’s hands are joined or bound as a symbol of unity.
Tone & use
A term for a particular kind of ritual, not a synonym for every wedding. Traditions and their histories vary.
Example
“The couple included a handfasting ceremony to honor a tradition important to their family.”
Describe a lasting connection without assuming everyone shares the same custom.
Meaning
A strong connection expected to continue over time.
Tone & use
Neutral and useful for relationships, teamwork, or shared experiences; it does not have to refer to marriage.
Example
“Years of working through challenges created a lasting bond between the teammates.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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