got children

USAGE SUMMARY

"got children" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone has children. For example: "John and Mary got children last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'I've got children!' How many?

The Guardian - Books

We've got children with us and a baby at home.

Independent

I've got children!" and promptly burst into tears.

Independent

Doing that was tough as we have both got children.

Independent

If you've got children, you'll watch their eyes go wide.

The New York Times - Food

Edinburgh's a different story when you've got children.

The Guardian

"She's got children depending on her," Ms. Baum said.

The New York Times

It shouldn't fall on the people who haven't got children.

The Guardian

I've got children, I've got to make a living.

The Guardian - Film

English beaches are great if you've got children.

The Guardian

"It is a challenge if you've got children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "got children", ensure the context is appropriate for informal language. In formal writing, consider using "have children".

Common error

Avoid using "got children" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "have children" or "are parents" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got children" functions as a verb phrase indicating the state of parenthood. It is used to convey that someone is a parent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, with numerous examples showing its function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "got children" is a common and generally acceptable way to indicate that someone has children, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, its register leans towards neutral to informal contexts. For formal or academic writing, alternatives like "have children" are more suitable. The phrase appears frequently in news media, with secondary usage in business and scientific contexts. Remember to consider the audience and context when choosing between "got children" and its more formal alternatives to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have children

A more formal and common alternative to "got children".

have kids

An informal and common synonym for "got children".

are parents

Focuses on the parental role rather than the act of having children.

have offspring

A more biological and formal way of saying "got children".

are raising children

Emphasizes the active role of raising children.

are child-rearers

Highlights the child-rearing aspect of having children.

are breeding children

Emphasizes the origin of having children.

parenting children

Highlights the activity of parenting.

have dependents

Focuses on the financial aspect of having children.

are responsible for children

Emphasizes the responsibility of having children.

FAQs

What is a more formal alternative to "got children"?

A more formal alternative to "got children" is "have children". This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is "got children" grammatically correct?

Yes, "got children" is grammatically correct in informal contexts. It's a common way to express that someone has children.

How can I use "got children" in a sentence?

You can use "got children" in sentences like: "Since they've got children, they prefer family-friendly vacation destinations".

What's the difference between "got children" and "have children"?

While both phrases mean the same thing, "got children" is more informal, while "have children" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic writing.