The phrases "If I ever get married" and "If I ever marry" are quite similar in meaning, but there is a subtle difference in their emphasis.
- "If I ever get married": This phrase focuses on the possibility or likelihood of the person getting married in the future. It implies that the individual is not currently married but is open to the idea of marriage at some point in their life.
Example: "If I ever get married, I hope to have a small, intimate wedding."
- "If I ever marry": This phrase emphasizes the act of getting married itself, rather than the general concept of being married. It indicates that if a specific situation or condition arises, the person is willing to go through the act of getting married.
Example: "If I ever marry, it will be because I've found someone truly special."
In summary, the difference lies in the emphasis on the possibility of getting married (using "get married") versus the act of getting married under specific circumstances (using "marry"). However, in everyday conversation, the two phrases are often used interchangeably, and the distinction is not rigid.