children vs the children

Both 'children' and 'the children' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Children' is a general term referring to kids in a broad sense, while 'the children' is more specific, referring to a particular group of kids that has been previously mentioned or is known to the speaker and listener.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1250 views

This is a correct and commonly used term to refer to kids in a general sense.

"children"

Use 'children' when talking about kids in a general sense without specifying a particular group or context.

Examples:

The school playground was filled with children playing happily.
She has dedicated her life to helping children in need.

Show examples from the web [+]

With more Cortexiphan children, their collective psychic energy could...
Such imperfect children are often adopted By well-meaning immigrant families.
Your children said you were kind.
Your children want you alive, Sire.
All the children want some thing.
Over 100,000 children learn science this way.
Space is filled with orbiting children.
Your children who survived the Fifth Column bombing...
A lovely prison with five beautiful children.
My children sometimes have strange ideas.
I understand you have extremely ill-behaved children.
I hope our children survive you.
Good night, children, everywhere.
Our children represent everything that the humans hate.
My children are sleeping next to their unborn cousins.
Some children are born into these horrible situations.
Smith ultimately adopted five children and fathered forty-five children.
We can also entertain your children in a specially arranged play-corner for children.
Diabetic children aren't any different from other children.
Here I have children per woman: two children, four children, six children, eight children - big families, small families.

Alternatives:

kids
youngsters
minors
offspring
juveniles

This is a correct term used when referring to a specific group of kids that has been previously mentioned or is known to the speaker and listener.

"the children"

Use 'the children' when you want to specify a particular group of kids that is already established in the conversation or context.

Examples:

The children in the first row are the winners of the competition.
Please make sure the children are supervised at all times.

Show examples from the web [+]

There are the children to consider.
But come winter the children'll starve.
The house will be sold and the children scattered.
It seems his wife finally had enough and took the children away.
I have always busy and take care of the children.
We were told that Vernon's been hurting the children.
Robots obey what the children say.
These are the children you helped.
Your leather will terrify the children.
Abigale, the children, please.
I looked at the children With tear-filled eyes.
It's a shame about the children.
And then there's the children.
I missed the children too, but mostly you.
Yes, the children, Henrik.
I was happy to see that you and the children were fine.
He has done nothing but serve the children and the families of new york city...
Ever since he confessed to murdering all the children.
I must get the children before they're kidnapped.
I promised I would call the children.

Alternatives:

the kids
those children
our children
your children
their children

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

children vs the children

"children"

"the children"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text