cousin of mine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'cousin of mine' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to one of your cousins. For example, "My cousin of mine just moved to a new town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You look like some cousin of mine".

The New Yorker

Then a cousin of mine.

The Guardian

I also learned that a cousin of mine died at the World Trade Center.

The New York Times

I really did feel as if he were a cousin of mine".

The New York Times - Arts

A cousin of mine suggests that there is only one solution: marriage.

The Guardian - Opinion

And the family legend is that he is a distant cousin of mine".

The New York Times

A farming cousin of mine, like many people, has solved the problem by having two pickups.

The New York Times

I guess I will be seeking a professional to check this out with a cousin of mine.

Harvard University

As Sylvia Koehne, a homemaker and cousin of mine in Lima, told me: "Faith in our new pope is great.

The New York Times

I found out unexpectedly that a distant cousin of mine, Emily de Saram, was on the boat.

The New Yorker

— Khanh, Los Angeles For a certain cousin of mine to use his turn signal when changing lanes while driving.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cousin of mine" to emphasize a personal connection or when telling a story about someone you know. For example, "A funny thing happened to a "cousin of mine" the other day."

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear which "cousin of mine" you are referring to, especially if you have many. If necessary, provide additional details for clarification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cousin of mine" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun, indicating a relationship. It specifies that the cousin being referred to belongs to or is associated with the speaker. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

2%

Arts

2%

Travel

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cousin of mine" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to refer to one's cousin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While "my cousin" is a simpler alternative, "cousin of mine" often adds a personal touch, making it suitable for narratives and descriptive writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Opinion content. While generally neutral in register, "my cousin" may be preferred in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of my cousins

This alternative is a more direct way of stating the relationship, replacing the possessive form with a simple identification.

a cousin of mine

This option emphasizes the 'a' to focus on one particular cousin.

my cousin

This is a simpler, more direct way of referring to your cousin, omitting the possessive.

a relative of mine who is a cousin

This alternative is more descriptive and specifies the familial connection more explicitly.

one cousin in my family

This alternative broadens the scope to include the entire family, emphasizing that this cousin is among many.

someone from my extended family who is a cousin

This phrase highlights the extended family connection, providing a broader context.

a member of my family, specifically a cousin

This option is a more formal and explicit way of identifying the family member as a cousin.

a distant relative, my cousin

This option emphasizes the distance in the relationship while still identifying the person as a cousin.

a family member, who happens to be my cousin

This phrase adds a touch of formality and explanation to the relationship.

a relation of mine, my cousin

This option is more formal and uses 'relation' as a substitute for 'relative'.

FAQs

How do I use "cousin of mine" in a sentence?

You can use "cousin of mine" to refer to one of your cousins in various contexts. For example, "A "cousin of mine" is visiting me next week" or "That car belongs to a "cousin of mine".

What's the difference between "my cousin" and "cousin of mine"?

"My cousin" is a direct and simple way to refer to your cousin. "Cousin of mine" is a more descriptive and sometimes emphatic way to refer to the same person. They are largely interchangeable, but "cousin of mine" can sometimes add a sense of familiarity or personal connection.

Are there any formal alternatives to "cousin of mine"?

While "cousin of mine" is acceptable in most contexts, in more formal settings, you might prefer "my cousin". If you need to be very specific, you could say "a relative, specifically my cousin".

Can I use "cousin of mine" in professional writing?

Yes, you can use "cousin of mine" in professional writing if the context is appropriate. It's more common in narrative or descriptive pieces where a personal touch is desired, but it may be too informal for strictly analytical or technical documents. When in doubt, "my cousin" is generally safer.