Introduction
When it comes to filling out forms, one of the sections that can sometimes stymie people is the one asking for the marital status of the person in question. In particular, the section asking for spousal information may seem confounding for those who are not familiar with the nuances of English vocabulary.
Marital Status
When filling out a form that asks for marital status, there are several potential choices that may apply:
- Single – not currently married or in a registered partnership
- Married – legally bound to a spouse through a recognized ceremony
- Separated – still legally married, but living apart from one's spouse
- Divorced – legally dissolved marriage or partnership
- Widowed – one's spouse has passed away
Spousal Information
If the form in question specifically requests information about one's spouse, there are a few adjectives that can be used to accurately convey marital status:
- Husband – a male individual who is married
- Wife – a female individual who is married
- Spouse – a gender-neutral term that can be used regardless of the gender of one's partner
Example Form Fields
To illustrate the way that information regarding marital status and spousal relationships might be gathered on a form, consider some possible questions and answer choices:
- What is your marital status?
- Single
- Married
- Separated
- Divorced
- Widowed
- Are you currently married?
- Yes
- No
- If married, what is the gender of your spouse?
- Husband
- Wife
- Spouse
Conclusion
While it can be intimidating to navigate the various options and details involved in filling out a form, understanding the vocabulary surrounding marital status and spousal relationships can make the process smoother and easier. By familiarizing oneself with the adjectives used to describe a partner and the subtle distinctions between different types of marital status, one can confidently fill out a form and provide accurate and appropriate information.
