having a child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the experience of becoming a parent or the process of childbirth. Example: "After years of planning, they are finally ready for the adventure of having a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's like having a child.

The New York Times

I'm never having a child.

The New York Times

Choices like having a child.

Stanford University

"It's like having a child," he explained.

The New Yorker

You hear someone is having a child.

The Guardian

One woman describes having a child.

The Guardian - Tech

Having a child didn't affect my performance.

The Guardian

Having a child outside marriage is taboo.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They have a child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had a child.

The New York Times

He has a child.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of parenthood on one's career or personal life, use "having a child" to clearly convey the before-and-after transition.

Common error

Don't focus solely on the immediate experience of "having a child". Acknowledge the long-term commitment and responsibilities involved in raising a child.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a child" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the experience or event of becoming a parent. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having a child" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that broadly refers to the experience of becoming a parent. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and common usage across various contexts. Its function ranges from expressing personal experiences to discussing broader societal impacts. The phrase maintains a generally neutral tone, suitable for diverse forms of communication. While alternative phrases like "becoming a parent" or "starting a family" exist, "having a child" remains a clear and widely understood way to discuss the event and its surrounding circumstances. From personal stories to policy discussions, the phrase carries substantial communicative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming a parent

Focuses on the transition into parenthood rather than the specific act of giving birth or adopting.

starting a family

Emphasizes the creation of a family unit, which may or may not involve biological children.

raising a child

Highlights the ongoing process of bringing up a child, shifting the focus from the initial event to the long-term commitment.

bringing up a child

Similar to 'raising a child', but with a slightly more formal tone and emphasis on nurturing.

nurturing a child

Focuses on the caring and developmental aspects of parenting.

parenting a child

A more general term for the act of being a parent.

bearing a child

Specifically refers to the act of giving birth.

giving birth

Emphasizes the physical process of childbirth.

adopting a child

Specifies the process of becoming a parent through adoption.

mothering/fathering a child

Highlights the specific roles of mother and father in raising a child.

FAQs

What does the phrase "having a child" mean?

The phrase "having a child" generally refers to the experience of becoming a parent, either through childbirth, adoption, or other means. It encompasses the period surrounding the arrival of a child into one's life.

What are some alternatives to saying "having a child"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "becoming a parent", "starting a family", or "giving birth".

How does "having a child" affect work-life balance?

"Having a child" often necessitates significant adjustments to work-life balance, requiring careful planning and prioritization of time and resources. This impact is frequently discussed in articles about parental leave and workplace policies.

Is "having a child" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "having a child" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and the specific situation will dictate the overall tone.