children
A1Neutral/Universal. Used in all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
The plural form of 'child'; more than one young human being, typically below the age of puberty.
Refers to offspring of any age (e.g., adult children). Used metaphorically for products, creations, or descendants of something (e.g., children of the revolution).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is both specific (biological offspring) and can be inclusive (members of a group). In legal/formal contexts, it often specifically refers to minors. The singular 'child' is often used attributively (e.g., child development), while 'children' is used in noun phrases (e.g., a book for children).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or primary use. Minor differences in collocational frequency with certain compounds (e.g., 'children's home' vs. 'group home').
Connotations
Identical core connotations. In both varieties, can carry connotations of innocence, vulnerability, or responsibility.
Frequency
Equally high-frequency in both varieties. It is the standard, universal plural form.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + children (e.g., teach, raise, have)children + [verb] (e.g., children play, children need)[adjective] + children (e.g., young children, school-age children)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Children should be seen and not heard.”
- “child's play”
- “not in Kansas anymore (referencing The Wizard of Oz)”
- “inner child”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in contexts like 'family-friendly policies', 'childcare benefits'.
Academic
Common in fields like psychology ('child development'), education, sociology, and law.
Everyday
Extremely common in all aspects of daily conversation about family, school, and community.
Technical
Used in legal documents (defining dependents), medical contexts (paediatrics), and educational frameworks.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- As a verb, 'to child' is obsolete. No modern examples.
American English
- As a verb, 'to child' is obsolete. No modern examples.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form.
American English
- No adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No direct adjective form. Use 'child' attributively: child actor, child benefit.
American English
- No direct adjective form. Use 'child' attributively: child care, child support.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children are in the garden.
- They have three children.
- This is a book for children.
- The school provides meals for the children.
- She works with children who have learning difficulties.
- Their children are all grown up now.
- The policy aims to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children.
- Many of the artist's later works were inspired by his own children.
- The museum has interactive exhibits designed to engage young children.
- The research focuses on the cognitive development of bilingual children.
- He is a staunch advocate for the rights of children in conflict zones.
- The novel explores the complex relationships between parents and their adult children.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHILD' and then add 'REN' – like a 'brothER' or 'sistER' is added to the family. One child, many childrEN.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHILDREN ARE PRODUCTS/INVENTIONS (e.g., 'brainchild'), CHILDREN ARE PLANTS (e.g., 'nurturing children'), THE FUTURE IS A CHILD (e.g., 'children are our future').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'дети' for non-human 'offspring' (e.g., 'children of the forest' is metaphorical).
- Avoid the singular 'ребенок' when the plural 'children' is required (mind noun number).
- The word 'kids' is informal but very common; not vulgar like 'ребята' can sometimes be.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'childrens' (incorrect possessive/plural). Correct: children's.
- Using 'childs' as a plural.
- Subject-verb agreement: 'The children is...' should be 'The children are...'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CORRECT plural possessive form?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The standard plural of 'child' is 'children'. It is one of the few English nouns with an -en plural (like ox/oxen).
In informal contexts, yes. 'Kids' is very common but slightly informal. Use 'children' in formal writing and speech.
/ˈtʃɪl.drən/. The 'd' is often very soft or omitted in fast speech, making it sound like 'chill-run'.
Add 's: children's. Example: the children's playground. Never use 'childrens''.
Collections
Part of a collection
Family Members
A1 · 44 words · Words for family, people and relationships at home.