my cousin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my cousin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one of your relatives, usually someone who shares one or both of your parents. For example, "My cousin and I grew up together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

MY COUSIN: Bad news.

The New Yorker

MY COUSIN: My man!

The New Yorker

MY COUSIN: Sounds legit.

The New Yorker

* * * MY COUSIN: Cuz!

The New Yorker

MY COUSIN: I know!

The New Yorker

MY COUSIN: Of course, man!

The New Yorker

My cousin?

The New Yorker

"Really?" my cousin said.

The New York Times

"Jesus," my cousin said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Tavin was my cousin..

Los Angeles Times

My cousin’s hot.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "one of my cousins" for clarity if you have multiple cousins.

Common error

Ensure context makes clear which cousin you're referring to, especially when several cousins are relevant to the narrative. For better clarity, specify the cousin's name or a defining characteristic when introducing them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my cousin" functions as a possessive determiner followed by a noun, indicating a familial relationship. Ludwig examples show it used to introduce individuals or refer to them within a narrative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my cousin" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a familial connection. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions primarily to identify and reference a relative, fitting comfortably within neutral registers across diverse communication styles. While widely applicable, it's important to ensure clarity, especially when multiple cousins are involved. When aiming for alternatives, consider options like "relative of mine" for a more formal tone or "one of my cousins" when specifying among several. Being mindful of context is key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of my cousins

This option is useful when specifying one cousin among multiple cousins.

relative of mine

This alternative uses a more formal tone to refer to the familial relationship, avoiding the directness of "my cousin".

a cousin in my family

This rephrasing emphasizes the cousin's place within the larger family structure.

my female cousin

This alternative specifies the gender of the cousin.

my male cousin

This alternative specifies the gender of the cousin.

my blood relative

Emphasizes the genetic connection between the speaker and their cousin.

a relative on my mother's side

This phrase indicates the cousin is related through the maternal side of the family.

a relative on my father's side

This phrase indicates the cousin is related through the paternal side of the family.

my kin

A more general and slightly archaic term for family member.

my family member

A broader term, suitable when the specific relationship isn't crucial.

FAQs

How can I use "my cousin" in a sentence?

You can use "my cousin" to refer to a relative who shares at least one grandparent with you. For example, "My cousin is visiting" or "I went to the movies with my cousin".

What are some alternatives to saying "my cousin"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "relative of mine", "one of my cousins" (if you have multiple), or specify the gender as "my female cousin" or "my male cousin".

Is it always clear who I'm referring to when I say "my cousin"?

Not always. If the context doesn't make it obvious, it's best to provide more information, such as their name or a brief description, like "My cousin Sarah, the artist".

When is it appropriate to use the term "my cousin" in formal writing?

The term "my cousin" is generally acceptable in most contexts, but for more formal writing, consider using more specific language like "a relative on my mother's side" or "a relative on my father's side" to avoid ambiguity.