my children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my children" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a possessive noun phrase that refers to the children of the speaker. It can be used in various contexts, such as talking about one's own children or referring to a group of children that one is responsible for. Here are some examples: - "My children are all grown up now, but I still worry about them every day." - "I have a big responsibility to take care of my children and provide for them." - "I'm proud of my children's achievements in school." - "As a teacher, I feel a strong connection with all of my children in the classroom." - "My children mean everything to me, and I would do anything for them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't call them "my children".

WikiHow

My children were killed".

The New York Times - Magazine

My children aren't readers.

Independent

"My children did it.

The New Yorker

My children deserve better!

The New York Times

Thea: My children.

The New York Times

My children were terrified.

The New York Times

You're all my children".

The New Yorker

My children followed suit.

The New York Times

My children were fine.

The New York Times - Travel

There, there my children.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my children" in writing, ensure the context clearly establishes who you are referring to, especially if the audience is unfamiliar with your personal life.

Common error

Avoid using "my children" excessively in formal or professional contexts where a more objective or neutral term like "dependents" or "family members" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my children" functions as a possessive noun phrase, where "my" indicates ownership or relationship, and "children" is the plural noun being possessed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my children" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to one's offspring. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. While highly frequent in general conversation and news media, it may be less suitable for formal or scientific writing where a more objective term might be preferable. Related phrases include "my kids" for a more casual tone and "my offspring" for a more formal context. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and appropriateness for your audience. The phrase is found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my kids

A more informal and common alternative, particularly in casual conversation.

my sons and daughters

A more descriptive and explicit way to refer to one's children.

my offspring

A more formal or biological term for one's descendants.

my progeny

A formal and less common synonym for offspring, suggesting lineage.

my little ones

An affectionate and endearing term for young children.

my wards

Refers to children under one's legal guardianship or care, not necessarily biological.

the children

A less personal alternative when the context makes it clear who is being referred to.

my family

A broader term including children but also potentially other relatives.

the next generation

Focuses on the role of children as future inheritors and successors.

those under my care

A general phrase applicable to any individuals for whom one is responsible, not exclusively children.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "my children" in a sentence?

The phrase "my children" is used to refer to your offspring. For example, you could say, "My children attend school" or "I love my children."

What are some alternatives to saying "my children"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "my kids", "my offspring", or simply "the children" if it's clear who you are referring to.

Is it appropriate to use "my children" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "my children" in formal writing may be too personal. Consider using more neutral terms like "dependents" or "family members" depending on the context.

How does the meaning of "my children" differ from "my students"?

"My children" refers specifically to your biological or adopted offspring. "My students", on the other hand, refers to the pupils you teach or mentor, and doesn't imply a familial relationship.