kids

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kids" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to refer to children or young people in various contexts, such as casual conversations or writing. Example: "The park was filled with kids playing and laughing on the swings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lucky kids.

The Economist

I think parents should be able to teach their kids what their faith says, what science says.

The New York Times

My eldest kids had a very tough time when they lost their mum and I don't want them to lose their dad.

The Guardian

Likewise, our old playroom – the kids are grown up now and hardly anyone goes in there.

The Guardian

So next time you hear someone mouthing off about bloody immigrants, ask how many kids they have, how old they were when they had them and whether or not they expect those children to look after them when they get seriously old.

The Guardian

A healthy "attention span" becomes just another ineffable quality to remember having, to believe you've lost, to worry about your kids lacking, to blame the culture for destroying.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The data show that not only is there declining trust in government, there is declining trust in other people"; although it wasn't exclusive to them, this shift was "concentrated among these poor kids, the kids who have been left out," Putnam said.

The Economist

There was a cohort of "lost kids we see in our data, who have no opportunity for economic mobility"; what's more, "those kids know".

The Economist

"We do retain some traditional parts of high school; kids still need to earn credit and study certain topics but we go about studying them a little differently," she explains.

The Guardian

The kids won't get it, or someone will find it offensive.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.03pm AEST05:03 Bill Shorten asks Abbott: A single income family on $65,000 with two kids will be $6000 worse off due to budget measures, including the family tax benefit B. Abbott says it is a result of Labor's debt and deficit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience that includes people of different cultural backgrounds and interpretations, consider using "children" for better global acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "kids" in formal documents, academic papers, or professional reports. Opt for more formal alternatives like "children" or "young people" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kids" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple children or young individuals. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "kids" acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "kids" is a common and informal way to refer to children or young people. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While "kids" is suitable for casual conversations and informal writing, it's best to opt for more formal alternatives like "children" or "young people" in academic or professional settings. As the reliable sources of Ludwig suggest, understanding the context is key to using "kids" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

children

A more formal and general term for young people.

young people

A straightforward, neutral alternative to "kids".

youngsters

An informal term for young people, often implying enthusiasm or energy.

little ones

A more affectionate and endearing term for young children.

youths

A term often used in a legal or social context to refer to young people.

the younger generation

Refers to young people as a collective group.

adolescents

Refers specifically to teenagers or those in the stage of adolescence.

minors

A legal term referring to individuals under the age of majority.

offspring

Refers to someone's children, often used in a biological or genealogical context.

descendants

More general term for offspring or later generations.

FAQs

What's the difference between "kids" and "children"?

"Kids" is generally considered an informal term, while "children" is more formal and widely accepted in diverse contexts. The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use the word "kids"?

The term "kids" is suitable for informal settings, casual conversations, and writing where a relaxed tone is desired. Consider your audience and context to determine if it's appropriate.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the word "kids"?

In some contexts, "kids" can be perceived as dismissive or condescending, particularly when referring to older children or teenagers. Be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation.

What can I say instead of "kids" in a formal context?

In formal writing, use alternatives like "children", "young people", or "adolescents depending on the specific age group you are referring to".