Family - English

Talking About Immediate and Extended Family

When describing your close family, you use words like mom, dad, sister, brother, son, and daughter. For example, you might say, "My mom is a teacher," or "I have one sister and two brothers." The word family includes all the people you are related to.

Extended family includes aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa, cousin, nephew, and niece. For example, "My uncle lives in another city," or "My cousin is visiting for the summer." To talk about an older generation, use grandparent, and for your parents’ siblings, use aunt and uncle.

Describing Family Activities

To talk about what families do together, you use verbs such as to celebrate, to eat, to gather, to introduce, to meet, to play, to reunite, to share, and to spend time. You might say, "We gather at my grandparent’s house for holidays," or "My family likes to share stories after dinner."

Tradition is a word for activities that families repeat every year or on special occasions, such as, "It is our family tradition to celebrate birthdays together."

Other examples include:

• "We spend time together every Sunday."
• "I want to introduce my partner to my parents."
• "The whole family meets for dinner once a month."
• "Children often play outside during family gatherings."
• "Family reunions are a chance to reunite with relatives you haven't seen for a while."
• "We give gifts at Christmas."
• "I made a family tree for a school project."

Marital Relationships

When talking about marriage, you use to marry or spouse for the husband or wife. For example:

• "My brother is going to marry next year."
• "She is my spouse."

In-Laws

When someone gets married, their husband's or wife's family are called in-laws. Common terms include mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. For example:

• "My mother-in-law is very kind."
• "I went fishing with my brother-in-law."
• "Her son-in-law helps out around the house."