B1English

Talking About Family

Use these phrases when getting to know someone and sharing basic details about your family life.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking about someone's family · 2 ways to say it

How's your family doing?

casual

A common, friendly way to ask

I hope your family is doing well.

polite

Good for formal situations or writing

Asking about relationship status · 2 ways to say it

Are you seeing anyone?

casual

Means dating someone

Are you married or single?

neutral
Sharing relationship status · 2 ways to say it

I'm single right now.

casual

I've been married for a few years.

neutral

Uses present perfect to show it started in the past

Asking about children · 2 ways to say it

Do you have any kids?

casual

Do you have a family of your own?

polite

A gentler way to ask if someone has a spouse and children

Talking about children · 2 ways to say it

No kids yet, but maybe someday.

casual

I have a son and a daughter.

neutral
Talking about siblings · 2 ways to say it

I've got two younger brothers.

casual

I grew up as an only child.

neutral

Means you have no brothers or sisters

Asking where family lives · 3 ways to say it

Does your family live nearby?

neutral

Does your mom live around here?

casual

US English

Does your mum live around here?

casual

UK English

Describing family location

Most of my family lives back home.

neutral

Practice Dialogue

New Employee
So, does your family live nearby?
Coworker
No, they're back in Texas. But my wife and I live just outside the city.
New Employee
Oh, nice. Do you have any kids?
Coworker
Yeah, we have a son who just turned three. What about you? Are you married or single?
New Employee
I'm single right now. I've lived alone since I moved here.
Coworker
Right. It can be a bit quiet when you first move.
New Employee
Yeah. I'm going to visit my mom next month to see everyone, though.
Coworker
That sounds nice. It's always great to catch up with family.

More Greetings & Socializing (B1)

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