the family is vs the family are

Both 'the family is' and 'the family are' can be correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The family is' is used when referring to the family as a single unit, while 'the family are' is used when emphasizing the individual members of the family.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1345 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the family as a single unit.

"the family is"

Use 'the family is' when talking about the family as a collective group or entity.

Examples:

The family is going on vacation.
The family is very close-knit.
The family is excited about the new baby.
The family is gathering for a reunion.
The family is supportive of each other.

Show examples from the web [+]

Isaac, the family is eating.
Whilst the family is in splinters.
I told you that the family is just...
The building has been reduced to rubble, and the family is unharmed.
We need to show the shareholders at this party... that the family is united.
Other protection and defence strategies must be put in place since sometimes the family is a repressive environment.
And you know, outcasting the family is the biggest social punishment one can think of.
Yes, the family is now back to what it was before.
This was very important, because the family is central in Afghans' social system.
When the family is in trouble, we don't take advantage.
In honor of the family, the family is open.
The Right has convinced us, even the most stubborn of the Leftists, that the family is a necessary asset and an important pillar of our society.
Recognising that the family is an economic unit does not mean reducing it solely to its economic role or focusing on numbers alone.
When the family is in trouble, facing hardship, facing hard times, remittances increase, they act like an insurance.
We would also point to UNICEF's splendid draft final document emphasising that the family is the basic unit of society and bears the main responsibility for the protection, upbringing and development of children.
This fight is also for a more humane society, and in these times of crisis, the family is increasingly our last bastion against the upheavals of life.
I do and the family is loyal to him.
While the head of the family is out working...
The love of the family is more than enough.
Any one member of the family is like this bean.

Alternatives:

The family is going to the park.
The family is happy.
The family is eating dinner together.
The family is watching a movie.
The family is celebrating a birthday.

This phrase is correct and used when emphasizing the individual members of the family.

"the family are"

Use 'the family are' when you want to highlight the separate individuals within the family.

Examples:

The family are all talented musicians.
The family are going their separate ways.
The family are divided on the issue.
The family are all different personalities.
The family are a diverse group.

Show examples from the web [+]

And the son's in pieces, but the family are pulling together for him.
In the evening, if the family are out,
I think the family are keen to, you know, get it all sorted.
They're just confirming the family are willing to donate them, but in all likelihood they are.
The family are loyal now, but the cracks are showing.
Pretty soon the other kids in the family are getting nothing.
Ragosa and the family are all caught up.
I think the family are keen to, you know, get it all sorted.
It is unfortunately the case that assaults upon women within the family are not illegal in all countries.
All the elders in the family are worried about you showing your face on that kind of TV program.
I'm sorry but my father's side of the family aren't exactly my biggest fans.
A functioning family is simply in a better position to absorb difficulties, because the parts of the family are less dependent on state institutions.
The legislation of the country of residence determines which members of the family are entitled to benefit.
What kind of head of the family are you?
It's a pity none of the male members of the family are going to be here.
My personal views on the family are of no relevance at all to the debate that we are having.
The Commission notes the requests made in the resolution, although it admits that issues relating to the family are still the responsibility of the Member States themselves.
And what part of the family are you?
In addition to that, the legal guarantees relating to neutrality, tax, the right to life, education and the family are important.
Where the members of the family are resident in

Alternatives:

The family members are all talented musicians.
The family members are going their separate ways.
The family members are divided on the issue.
The family members are all different personalities.
The family members are a diverse group.

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the family is vs the family are

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