I think family is singular in English. | Free French language Q&A

Laura

Kwiziq language super star

25 November 2015

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 November 2015

26/11/15

Yes, you are right it is Family in singular and families in plural

Jim

Kwiziq community member

22 April 2018

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.