My family

Place my family at the start of a sentence to describe a habit. For example, My family loves pizza. You can also use it at the end to show belonging. Try saying, I am going to visit my family. It works as a single unit, so you treat it like a group. Use it to introduce people or explain your weekend plans. It is simple, clear, and very common.

Use it when meeting new people to explain your background. It is perfect for small talk at a party. Use it at work when you need to leave early for a 'family emergency.' It is also great for sharing photos on your phone. If you are traveling, you might tell a stranger, My family is from New York. It builds an instant connection between you and the listener.

Do not use it for a group of friends unless you add 'like.' For example, They are like my family. Avoid using it for just one person. If you only mean your brother, say my brother. Using my family implies a group of at least two or more people. Also, do not use it in very cold, legal documents where 'dependents' or 'next of kin' is required. It is too personal for a tax form!

In many English-speaking cultures, 'family' is a flexible concept. While it traditionally means relatives, many people have a 'chosen family.' These are close friends who feel like siblings. Western culture often focuses on the small nuclear family. However, many people are very proud of their extended roots. Talking about your family is a standard way to build trust in social settings. It shows you have a support system and a history.

• My folks: A casual way to say 'my parents.'
• My kin: An old-fashioned or regional way to say relatives.
• My relatives: A slightly more formal way to describe cousins, aunts, and uncles.
• My immediate family: Just your spouse, children, parents, and siblings.
• My extended family: Everyone else, including that distant uncle you see once a year.