ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: family is/are

Newguest — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:06:14 GMT

Thank you

Re: family is/are

khoff — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:01:18 GMT

I agree with the advice given -- but another possiblity that avoids the is/are decision entirely is "I have a big family." (or, if you want to make it perfectly clear that you are talking about your parents and siblings instead of your spouse and children, "I come from a big family.")

Re: family is/are

Anonymous — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:43:35 GMT

It is sometimes useful to think of musical groups:

The Beatles are John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

Pink Floyd is the most influential band in the 20th century.

Re: family is/are

khalidovitch — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:38:42 GMT

my family is big

Re: family is/are

Newguest — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:28:10 GMT

Thank you very much!!!

Re: family is/are

nona the brit — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:00:57 GMT

Sometimes (particularly in British English) we can vary whether we use the singular or plural verb in these cases. It can change the meaning though. Remember that the singular verb is used when we are thinking of the group as a whole single entity. The plural verb can be used when we are thinking of the individual members of that group. I would interpret your sentences:

My family is big. There are a lot of people in my family. The group (familly) is large in size.

My family are big. The people in my family are fat. The individuals(making up the family group) are big...which is a euphamism for fat.

Re: family is/are

Yoong Liat — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:15:07 GMT

My family is big.

family is/are

Newguest — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:00:35 GMT

My family is big/My family are big.

---can I use both?