children

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "children" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who are under the age of 18. For example: "The children enjoyed playing in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is survived by his wife and children.

The Guardian

"But I say to every parent, family member and friend of the children that my Government will do everything in its power to bring them home".

The Guardian

If they are ruling out these extreme cuts for the most disabled and carers, then it is clear they will be hitting the tax credits, and support for children, for millions of working families".

The Guardian

But what about the children?

The Guardian - Opinion

For patients with concession cards and children aged under 16 the fee will apply for only the first 10 services in each year.

The Guardian

"It's pretty horrific to push a mother to a point of saying, 'Well, if I need to sacrifice myself for my children, maybe that's what I'll do,' " she said.

The Guardian

He was a fierce opponent of Argentina's decision to legalise gay marriage in 2010, arguing children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother.

The Guardian

So next time you hear someone mouthing off about bloody immigrants, ask how many kids they have, how old they were when they had them and whether or not they expect those children to look after them when they get seriously old.

The Guardian

But poor children in Stoke-on-Trent start school two years behind their peers in leafier parts of the country.

The Guardian

It's not nearly as big a problem as the 40 percent of children who are born out of wedlock.

The New York Times

She had seven children and never had a career outside of the home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "children" when referring to a group of young individuals, but consider more specific terms like "toddlers", "teenagers", or "students" for clarity when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "children" when you need to specify a particular age group. For example, instead of saying "the project is aimed at children", specify "the project is aimed at teenagers" or "the project is aimed at preschoolers" for increased clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "children" functions as a plural noun, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this term refers to multiple young individuals. Examples in the search results showcase its use in various contexts, such as family relationships, education, and social issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Lifestyle

12%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Money

1%

Arts

1%

TV & Radio

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "children" is a common and grammatically correct plural noun used to refer to young people. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle articles, and opinion pieces. When using "children", ensure your language and examples are age-appropriate and specific. Alternative terms like "youngsters", "kids", or "youth" can be used depending on the context and desired formality. Remember to consider the specific age group and avoid overgeneralization for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

youngsters

Refers to young people, similar to "children", but can subtly emphasize their youthfulness or inexperience.

kids

An informal and common synonym for "children".

little ones

A term of endearment for young children, emphasizing their small size and innocence.

youth

Collective term for young people, sometimes implying a slightly older age range than "children".

offspring

A more formal term for descendants; emphasizes the parent-child relationship.

minors

Legal term referring to individuals under the age of majority.

young people

A broader term that includes adolescents and teenagers, not just young children.

descendants

Focuses on the familial lineage and relationship to ancestors.

progeny

A formal or literary term for offspring or descendants.

next generation

Focuses on the role of children as the future successors to the current generation.

FAQs

How can I use "children" in a sentence?

You can use "children" in a sentence as a plural noun to refer to multiple young individuals. For example, "The "children" are playing in the park" or "Parents are responsible for the well-being of their "children".

What are some synonyms for the word "children"?

Some synonyms for "children" include "kids", "youngsters", "youth", and "offspring". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use the term "children"?

While generally correct, using "children" might be inappropriate if the context requires a more specific term, such as "infants", "toddlers", or "adolescents". It's important to be precise in your language.

What is the difference between "children" and "child"?

"Child" is the singular form, referring to one young individual, while "children" is the plural form, referring to multiple young individuals. For example, "The child is playing alone" versus "The children are playing together".