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Family: Singular or Plural?

Question
Do we say "The family was eating dinner" or "The family were eating dinner"?  —  Suha , Iran
Answer

In American English, "family" will almost always be used with a singular verb. In British English, it may be used with a singular or a plural verb depending on whether the speaker feels that "family" is being described as a unit or as a group of individuals. Below are some examples of how "family" is used:

  • The family was eating dinner.
  • The Craft family is staying at a hotel.
  • My family was excited about the vacation.
  • Her family owns a restaurant.

Chiefly British:

  • Your family was/were so welcoming to their guests.
  • His family is/are all doctors.
  • The family has/have several different breeds of dog.

 

I hope this helps.

 

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