family circle

USAGE SUMMARY

"family circle" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a group of close family members, such as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. For example, "My family circle had a reunion on Labor Day weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The Gladstone Family Circle.

The New York Times

The Gladstone family circle.

The New York Times

The family circle was complete.

The New York Times

BMP Family Circle Andrew Friedman, President.

The New York Times

His affection for his immediate family circle dominated his life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FAMILY CIRCLE The Boudins and the Aristocracy of the Left.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And Mrs. Mancini has been an integral part of my 'friends-and-family' circle ever since.

Huffington Post

Retired Executive Editor, "Family Circle".

The New York Times

And Family Circle did consider calling the whole thing off.

The Washington Post

Family Circle changed it to 17 to 20.

The New York Times - Style

"That is what Family Circle is," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about personal relationships, consider whether "family circle" accurately reflects the scope of the relationships you are describing. "Immediate family" or "extended family" might be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "family circle" in highly formal or professional documents. Instead, opt for more neutral terms like "family members" or "relatives" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "family circle" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a group of close family members. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing relationships and social contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "family circle" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a group of close family members, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, from personal narratives to news reports and academic discussions. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid it in highly formal or legal settings, opting for more specific terms like "family members". Alternatives such as "immediate family" or "extended family" can provide greater precision depending on the intended meaning. With its frequent appearance in sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, Ludwig demonstrates the phrase's widespread acceptance and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate family

Focuses on the closest relatives, such as parents and siblings.

inner circle of family

Highlights the most intimate and trusted family members.

close relatives

Highlights the degree of kinship and emotional connection.

family unit

Emphasizes the group as a cohesive and functional entity.

extended family

Encompasses a wider network of relatives beyond the immediate family.

family members

A general term for individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

blood relatives

Focuses specifically on those related by blood.

next of kin

Legally defined relatives, often used in official contexts.

domestic sphere

Refers to the home and family life.

relatives and friends

Includes close friends as part of a supportive network.

FAQs

How can I use "family circle" in a sentence?

You can use "family circle" to refer to a group of close family members. For example, "The holidays are a time to gather with your "family circle"".

What's the difference between "family circle" and "immediate family"?

"Family circle" generally refers to a broader group of close relatives, while "immediate family" typically includes only parents and siblings. The term "immediate family" has a more strict definition, while "family circle" is more inclusive.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "family circle"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "family circle" in very formal or legal contexts. Terms like "next of kin" or "family members" may be more appropriate in those situations.

What is another way to describe a group of relatives?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "extended family", "relatives", or "close relatives" to describe a group of family members.