I think family is singular in English.
Laura
Kwiziq language super star
25/11/15
Bonjour Stephen, We get a lot of questions about things like this. Some English speakers say "the family is" while others say "the family are." You can read our policy here: https://www.french-test.com/is-this-english-correct
Revathi
Kwiziq community member
26/11/15
Yes, you are right it is Family in singular and families in plural
Jim
Kwiziq community member
22/04/18
As I understand it, it is a distinction between American and British English. American English treats most collective nouns as singular, with exceptions like "police" and "people," which use plural verbs. I have to say, my American ears strongly object to "the family are." If I were to say it, I am pretty sure Mrs. Holden, my sixth grade grammar teacher, would turn over in her grave.
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Stephen
Kwiziq community member
25 November 2015
3 replies
I think family is singular in English.
This relates to:
Nouns that are plural in English but singular in French, and vice versa -