family unit

USAGE SUMMARY

"family unit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a group of people who are related to each other or live together. For example, "My family unit consists of my parents, my brother, and myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

the family unit splintered.

The Guardian - Books

"Pill is dissolving our family unit".

The New Yorker

"A family unit is essential for success".

The New York Times - Arts

"It encouraged migration as a family unit".

The New Yorker

"The family unit was… tight.

The Guardian

"Our family unit is suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Each "case" represented a family unit.

Journal of Pediatric Nursing

She wanted that stable family unit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's been hard on our family unit".

The New York Times - Sports

"The whole family unit is completely broken.

The Guardian

The whole family unit is suffering.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "family unit" when you want to emphasize the functional or structural aspects of a family, rather than its emotional connections.

Common error

While "family unit" is generally acceptable, consider using simpler terms like "family" in casual conversations or informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "family unit" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption, emphasizing their structural role as highlighted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "family unit" is a versatile term that describes a group of individuals connected by kinship, marriage, or adoption. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, consider using "family unit" when you want to emphasize the functional or structural aspects of a family, but opt for simpler terms like "family" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Related terms include "nuclear family" and "immediate family", offering alternative ways to express familial relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nuclear family

Refers specifically to a family consisting of parents and their children.

immediate family

Emphasizes the closest relatives, typically parents, siblings, and children.

family group

A more general term for a set of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

household

Focuses on the people who live together in the same residence, regardless of relationship.

domestic unit

Highlights the shared living space and activities within a home.

family structure

Refers to the arrangement of roles and relationships within a family.

familial network

Stresses the interconnectedness and support system among family members.

kin group

Broader anthropological term for people related by ancestry or marriage.

parental unit

Refers to the parents or caregivers within a family.

close-knit family

Emphasizes the emotional bonds and strong relationships within a family.

FAQs

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

You can use "family unit" to refer to a group of people who are related to each other, for example: "The study examined the impact of economic policies on the "family unit"".

What's a more informal way to say "family unit"?

In informal contexts, you can simply use the word "family" instead of "family unit". For example, instead of saying "Our family unit is very close", you can say "Our family is very close".

Is there a difference between "family unit" and "household"?

"Family unit" emphasizes the relationships between people, while "household" focuses on people who live together. A household might include people who aren't related, but a family unit generally refers to related individuals.

What are some synonyms for "family unit" in academic writing?

In academic writing, consider using terms like "nuclear family", "domestic unit", or "familial network" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.