[English 101] FAMILY VISIT - Vocabulary for relatives and family gatherings

Teaching Material

1. My father always shares funny stories from his college days.
• father (noun) - A male parent
• Use ‘father’ when referring to your dad in a respectful or formal way. It’s appropriate in most family contexts, especially introductions.
• A: Are you going to visit your father this weekend? B: Yes, I'll spend a few days at his place.
• dad - Use ‘dad’ in casual conversations with friends or family; it conveys warmth and familiarity.
2. My mother loves to bake cookies for the whole family.
• mother (noun) - A female parent
• Use ‘mother’ in formal or respectful contexts, such as meeting someone’s parent for the first time or talking about family backgrounds.
• A: Did your mother enjoy the family dinner? B: Yes, she said it was wonderful.
• mom - Use ‘mom’ in casual settings or when talking to family members; it shows affection and comfort.
3. I have one sibling, and we are very close.
• sibling (noun) - A brother or sister
• Use ‘sibling’ when you want a neutral word without specifying brother or sister. It’s especially handy in formal or general contexts.
• A: How many siblings do you have? B: Just one sister.
4. My brother taught me how to ride a bicycle when I was little.
• brother (noun) - A male sibling
• Use ‘brother’ when referring to your male sibling directly. Common in everyday family discussions or introducing family members.
• A: Is your brother older or younger? B: He’s two years older than me.
5. I often share clothes with my sister; we have similar styles.
• sister (noun) - A female sibling
• Use ‘sister’ for your female sibling. Ideal when explaining family relationships or organizing family events.
• A: Will your sister join us for dinner? B: Yes, she’ll be here soon.
6. Her spouse is traveling for work but will return for the reunion.
• spouse (noun) - A husband or wife, considered in relation to their partner
• Use ‘spouse’ when referring to a married partner in a gender-neutral, formal context, such as legal documents or formal introductions.
• A: Will your spouse come to the family gathering? B: Yes, he’s really excited to meet everyone.
7. My husband and I plan to host a family barbecue next month.
• husband (noun) - A married man in relation to his spouse
• Use ‘husband’ for referring to a male partner in marriage. Common in day-to-day conversations about marital status or plans.
• A: Will your husband help you cook? B: Definitely, he’s the grill master!
8. His wife organized a surprise birthday party for his mother.
• wife (noun) - A married woman in relation to her spouse
• Use ‘wife’ when referring to a female partner in marriage. It’s straightforward and used in both casual and formal talks.
• A: Is your wife attending the family function? B: Yes, she’s looking forward to it.
9. I’m meeting my in-laws for dinner tomorrow.
• in-laws (noun (plural)) - Relatives by marriage (e.g., mother-in-law, father-in-law)
• Use ‘in-laws’ to talk about relatives gained through marriage. Handy when differentiating from blood relatives in casual or formal contexts.
• A: How do you get along with your in-laws? B: We have a friendly, respectful relationship.
10. Her father-in-law offered wise advice about starting a business.
• father-in-law (noun) - The father of one’s spouse
• Use ‘father-in-law’ to specifically mention your spouse’s father. It’s respectful and clarifies that the relationship is through marriage.
• A: Do you often visit your father-in-law? B: Yes, especially on weekends to catch up.
11. My mother-in-law makes the best homemade pasta.
• mother-in-law (noun) - The mother of one’s spouse
• Use ‘mother-in-law’ when talking about your spouse’s mother. Typically used in introductions and to clarify family ties at gatherings.
• A: Is your mother-in-law joining us? B: She’ll arrive early to help set up.
12. The newlyweds decided to invite everyone for a post-wedding brunch.
• newlyweds (noun (plural)) - A newly married couple
• Use ‘newlyweds’ for couples who recently got married, often up to a few months or a year after the wedding.
• A: Did you meet the newlyweds? B: Yes, they look so happy together.
13. Her fiancé accompanied her to the family gathering.
• fiancé (noun (masculine)) - A man engaged to be married
• Use ‘fiancé’ to refer to a man who is engaged. This term shows a formal commitment but not yet married status.
• A: Is your fiancé coming tonight? B: Yes, he’s excited to meet everyone.
14. His fiancée helped organize the surprise anniversary party.
• fiancée (noun (feminine)) - A woman engaged to be married
• Use ‘fiancée’ to refer to a woman who is engaged. Similar to ‘fiancé’ but denotes a female partner awaiting marriage.
• A: Is that your fiancée? B: Yes, we’re planning to marry next spring.
15. Their child played with cousins all afternoon.
• child (noun) - A young person, typically below teenage years
• Use ‘child’ to speak generally about sons or daughters in a neutral way, especially when age or gender isn’t specified.
• A: How old is your child now? B: She just turned six.
• kid - Use ‘kid’ in casual settings. It’s friendly and less formal than ‘child.’
16. My toddler loves running around with her little cousins.
• toddler (noun) - A young child who is just learning to walk, typically around 1-3 years old
• Use ‘toddler’ when describing children who are past infancy but not yet at preschool age. Helpful for distinguishing their developmental stage.
• A: Is your toddler well-behaved at family events? B: She’s exploring everything, so I keep a close eye.
17. They introduced their newborn to the whole family at the reunion.
• newborn (noun) - A baby who is just born or within the first few months of life
• Use ‘newborn’ specifically for very young infants. Commonly used to describe babies in their first weeks or a few months of life.
• A: Did you see their newborn? B: Yes, she’s so tiny and adorable!
18. The grandparents spoiled their granddaughter with gifts during the holiday.
• granddaughter (noun) - A daughter of one’s son or daughter
• Use ‘granddaughter’ to clarify that the child is female and one generation down from your own children. Common in older family contexts.
• A: How often do you visit your granddaughter? B: At least once a month to watch her grow.
19. Her grandson loves to show off his new soccer moves.
• grandson (noun) - A son of one’s son or daughter
• Use ‘grandson’ to specify a male grandchild. Helpful for clarifying family hierarchy across generations.
• A: Is your grandson participating in the family talent show? B: Yes, he’s planning a magic act.
20. I took my nephew to the zoo during the family visit.
• nephew (noun) - The son of one’s brother or sister (or of one’s spouse’s sibling)
• Use ‘nephew’ for referencing your sibling’s son or your spouse’s sibling’s son, making family relationships clear in conversation.
• A: Is your nephew staying overnight? B: Yes, he loves sleepovers at our place.
21. My niece celebrated her birthday at our home last week.
• niece (noun) - The daughter of one’s brother or sister (or of one’s spouse’s sibling)
• Use ‘niece’ to talk about your sibling’s daughter or your spouse’s sibling’s daughter. It's a direct way to define that relationship.
• A: Does your niece enjoy family gatherings? B: She loves meeting her cousins and playing games.
22. My cousin and I have been close since we were kids.
• cousin (noun) - A child of one’s uncle or aunt
• Use ‘cousin’ to refer to a relative at the same generation level but from a different branch of the family. Very common at gatherings.
• A: Are you inviting your cousin to the reunion? B: Absolutely, we grew up like siblings.
23. He’s technically my cousin once removed, but we still just say ‘cousin.’
• cousin once removed (noun phrase) - The child of one’s cousin, or a cousin of one’s parent (one generation apart)
• Use ‘cousin once removed’ for a cousin from a different generation. Useful when precisely explaining family trees but often shortened in casual talk.
• A: How are you related again? B: We’re cousins once removed, but it feels like the same generation.
24. My aunt always brings homemade cookies to family dinners.
• aunt (noun) - The sister of one's father or mother, or the wife of one’s uncle
• Use ‘aunt’ to talk about your parents’ sister or your uncle’s wife. In casual conversation, it’s straightforward and easy to understand.
• A: Is your aunt visiting again soon? B: Yes, she’ll be here next weekend.
25. My uncle taught me how to fish when I was young.
• uncle (noun) - The brother of one’s father or mother, or the husband of one’s aunt
• Use ‘uncle’ for your parents’ brother or your aunt’s husband. Typically a warm, familiar term for immediate family discussions.
• A: Will your uncle join the barbecue? B: Yes, he’s bringing his famous marinade.
26. We had our fair share of sibling rivalry growing up, but now we’re best friends.
• sibling rivalry (noun phrase) - Competition or animosity between brothers and sisters
• Use ‘sibling rivalry’ to describe ongoing or childhood tensions with brothers or sisters. Common topic at family gatherings and reminiscences.
• A: Did you deal with sibling rivalry? B: Yes, but it eased as we got older.
27. Parenting can be challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.
• parenting (noun) - The activity of raising and caring for children
• Use ‘parenting’ when talking about the roles, responsibilities, or strategies used in raising children. Great for sharing advice in family circles.
• A: Any parenting tips for dealing with tantrums? B: Patience and consistent rules help a lot.
28. We’re a stepfamily, so holidays involve combining multiple traditions.
• stepfamily (noun) - A family in which one or both adults have children from previous relationships
• Use ‘stepfamily’ to clarify family structures that include step-parents or step-siblings. Useful in describing blended households.
• A: How’s life in a stepfamily? B: It takes adjustment, but we make it work.
29. My stepfather always supports me like his own child.
• stepfather (noun) - A man who is married to one’s mother after the divorce or death of one’s father
• Use ‘stepfather’ to indicate a father figure who isn’t your biological dad but is married to your mother. Helps explain blended family dynamics.
• A: Is your stepfather attending the reunion? B: Of course, he’s part of the family.
30. She’s my stepmother, but we have a strong bond.
• stepmother (noun) - A woman who is married to one’s father after the divorce or death of one’s mother
• Use ‘stepmother’ to clarify a relationship formed through your father’s remarriage. Common in conversations about blended families.
• A: Are you close to your stepmother? B: Yes, we chat every day.
31. My stepsister and I became friends after our parents got married.
• stepsister (noun) - A daughter of one’s stepmother or stepfather from a previous relationship
• Use ‘stepsister’ when discussing non-biological female siblings in a blended family. It clarifies family links formed by marriage.
• A: Did you always get along with your stepsister? B: It took time, but now we’re very close.
32. My stepbrother joined our family trips after our parents remarried.
• stepbrother (noun) - A son of one’s stepmother or stepfather from a previous relationship
• Use ‘stepbrother’ to refer to a male sibling gained through a parent’s remarriage. Helpful in clarifying newly formed relationships.
• A: Do you hang out with your stepbrother often? B: Yes, we game together on weekends.
33. My half-sister and I have the same father, but different mothers.
• half-sister (noun) - A sister who shares only one biological parent with you
• Use ‘half-sister’ to explain partial biological relation. It’s standard in family trees or when clarifying genealogical ties.
• A: How often do you see your half-sister? B: Whenever she visits from out of state.
34. My half-brother and I look alike, even though we have different mothers.
• half-brother (noun) - A brother who shares only one biological parent with you
• Use ‘half-brother’ in the same context as ‘half-sister,’ specifying that you share one parent. Important when describing extended families.
• A: Do you get along with your half-brother? B: Yes, we talk regularly on the phone.
35. Our extended family gathers every summer for a big picnic.
• extended family (noun phrase) - A family that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., beyond the nuclear family
• Use ‘extended family’ to encompass all relatives beyond parents and siblings. Common term at large events or reunions.
• A: How big is your extended family? B: Quite large, with cousins all over the country.
36. We’re planning a family reunion to celebrate Grandma’s birthday.
• family reunion (noun phrase) - A gathering of family members who haven't seen each other for a while
• Use ‘family reunion’ for big get-togethers, often annually or for special occasions. Perfect for discussing large-scale gatherings.
• A: Are you excited about the family reunion? B: Definitely, I miss everyone.
37. We’re having a small get-together this weekend for my dad’s retirement.
• get-together (noun) - An informal gathering or meeting of friends or family
• Use ‘get-together’ for casual, low-key meetups with relatives or friends. Conveys a relaxed vibe rather than a formal event.
• A: Are you coming to the get-together? B: Yes, I wouldn’t miss it!
38. We’re hosting a potluck at our family visit so everyone can bring their favorite dish.
• potluck (noun) - A meal or party where each guest contributes a dish to share
• Use ‘potluck’ to describe shared meal events. It’s popular in family gatherings where cooking responsibilities are distributed.
• A: What are you bringing to the potluck? B: I’m making a big lasagna.
39. They invited the whole family to their housewarming last month.
• housewarming (noun) - A party celebrating someone’s move to a new home
• Use ‘housewarming’ to talk about a gathering that marks the celebration of settling into a new home. Often includes tours and casual socializing.
• A: Are you attending the housewarming? B: Yes, I got them a welcome gift.
40. We used the family gathering to catch up on everyone’s news.
• catch up (phrasal verb) - To learn or discuss recent events in each other’s lives
• Use ‘catch up’ when reconnecting with relatives you haven’t seen in a while, focusing on exchanging life updates and events.
• A: Let’s find a quiet spot to catch up. B: Great idea, we have so much to talk about!
41. We laughed over childhood memories of playing in Grandma’s backyard.
• childhood memories (noun phrase) - Recollections from one’s youth or early years
• Use ‘childhood memories’ to reminisce about shared past experiences. This is a common topic at family events when reflecting on the past.
• A: Remember our childhood memories from summer vacations? B: Yes, especially riding bikes around the lake!
42. We look to our elders for guidance during important family decisions.
• elder (noun) - An older person in a family or community, often respected for wisdom
• Use ‘elder’ to show respect to older family members or community figures. It emphasizes wisdom and a guiding role.
• A: Who’s the elder in your family now? B: My grandpa; he’s in his 80s but still sharp.
43. We hired a caretaker for our grandmother who needs daily assistance.
• caretaker (noun) - Someone who looks after another person’s well-being, often for children or the elderly
• Use ‘caretaker’ when referring to someone providing ongoing support or assistance, especially in a family context with seniors or kids.
• A: Is she a live-in caretaker? B: Yes, she helps with medication and daily tasks.
44. I agreed to babysit my nieces for the weekend.
• babysit (verb) - To take care of children temporarily while the parents are away
• Use ‘babysit’ for short-term childcare responsibilities. Commonly used in family scenarios when older relatives help with younger kids.
• A: Could you babysit my toddler on Saturday? B: Sure, I’d be happy to help.
45. We divide the chores among family members so no one is overwhelmed.
• chores (noun (plural)) - Routine tasks or jobs at home, like cleaning or cooking
• Use ‘chores’ to talk about household tasks shared among relatives. A frequent topic in family life when organizing responsibilities.
• A: Did you finish your chores before the guests arrived? B: Yes, I cleaned the living room and kitchen.
46. One family tradition is decorating the house together every holiday season.
• family tradition (noun phrase) - A practice or custom carried on by a family across generations
• Use ‘family tradition’ when discussing rituals or customs passed down. Great for bonding and celebrating at gatherings.
• A: Do you have a unique family tradition? B: Yes, we cook a big pot of soup on New Year’s Eve.
47. They talked about dividing the inheritance fairly among siblings.
• inheritance (noun) - Assets or possessions passed down from one generation to another
• Use ‘inheritance’ for formal or serious discussions about property, money, or heirlooms left by older family members. Can be sensitive, so approach politely.
• A: Have you discussed inheritance matters with your parents? B: Not yet, but we might soon to avoid confusion.
48. My grandmother’s ring is a precious heirloom in our family.
• heirloom (noun) - A valuable object passed down through generations in a family
• Use ‘heirloom’ to denote treasured family items with historical or sentimental value. Often introduced during big family events or gatherings.
• A: What’s the story behind this vase? B: It’s an heirloom from my great-grandparents.
49. My aunt is deeply involved in genealogy, creating an extensive family tree.
• genealogy (noun) - The study or trace of one’s ancestry and family history
• Use ‘genealogy’ to discuss tracing lineage or building a detailed family tree. Commonly arises at reunions or among older relatives.
• A: Are you into genealogy as well? B: A bit, I find it fascinating to learn about my ancestors.
50. He takes pride in his lineage, which dates back to early settlers.
• lineage (noun) - Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree
• Use ‘lineage’ in more formal contexts discussing family descent or heritage. It shows a direct connection to past generations.
• A: Do you know much about your lineage? B: Some, but I'd like to research more.
51. Her ancestry includes Scottish and Mexican roots.
• ancestry (noun) - One’s family or ethnic descent, tracing back generations
• Use ‘ancestry’ to talk about your broad ethnic and historical background. Common in genealogical research or cultural discussions.
• A: Have you explored your ancestry? B: Yes, I discovered interesting details about my great-grandparents.
52. We invited every relative we could think of for the celebration.
• relative (noun) - A person connected by blood or marriage, also known as a family member
• Use ‘relative’ to speak generally about any family member. It’s flexible when you’re not sure how to specify the exact relationship.
• A: Is he a close relative? B: Actually, he’s my second cousin on my dad’s side.
53. In case of emergency, my wife is listed as my next of kin.
• next of kin (noun phrase) - The closest living relative(s) of someone, often for legal or emergency purposes
• Use ‘next of kin’ in formal or legal contexts, such as hospital visits or estate planning, to indicate the primary family contact.
• A: Did you update your next of kin form? B: Yes, I put my sister’s contact details.
54. We took a new family portrait during the visit, capturing four generations.
• family portrait (noun phrase) - A photograph that includes multiple members of a family
• Use ‘family portrait’ to describe group photos that often become treasured keepsakes. Common during special occasions.
• A: Did you see our latest family portrait? B: Yes, it looks wonderful with everyone together.
55. We browsed the old photo album to revisit sweet memories.
• photo album (noun phrase) - A collection of photographs, often organized in a book or binder
• Use ‘photo album’ to talk about curated pictures. It’s often passed around during gatherings to spark stories and laughter.
• A: Did you add our reunion pictures to the photo album? B: Yes, I labeled each page with names and dates.
56. My cousins and I had a sleepover at Grandma’s place during vacation.
• sleepover (noun) - A night spent at someone else’s house, often for children’s or cousins’ fun gatherings
• Use ‘sleepover’ for informal overnight stays, usually among kids or close relatives. It implies fun, bonding, and extended time together.
• A: Are you letting your kids have a sleepover? B: Yes, they’re too excited to skip it.
57. Family gatherings help strengthen our bond, even if we live far apart.
• bond (noun) - A close connection or relationship between people
• Use ‘bond’ to emphasize emotional closeness or unity within a family. Common when discussing how relationships grow over time.
• A: Do you feel a strong bond with your cousins? B: Absolutely, we grew up like siblings.
58. I greeted my grandmother with a warm hug as soon as I arrived.
• hug (noun/verb) - An act of putting one’s arms around someone to show affection or greeting
• Use ‘hug’ to convey warmth and affection in family contexts. It’s a common physical gesture when reuniting or saying goodbye.
• A: Do you usually hug your relatives at gatherings? B: Yes, it’s our way of showing love.
59. They shared a tearful embrace after seeing each other for the first time in years.
• embrace (noun/verb) - A hug or act of holding someone closely; can also mean accepting something wholeheartedly
• Use ‘embrace’ for a more formal or poetic way to describe hugging or warmly accepting someone. Often used in heartfelt contexts.
• A: Did you see that emotional embrace between them? B: Yes, it’s been too long since they last met.
60. He offered an apology to his sister for the argument they had at dinner.
• apology (noun) - A statement of regret for having done something wrong or harmful
• Use ‘apology’ in situations of conflict resolution. It’s polite and often crucial for maintaining peaceful family relationships.
• A: Did you receive an apology from your cousin yet? B: Yes, we settled our differences.
61. Forgiveness helped them rebuild their sibling relationship.
• forgiveness (noun) - The action or process of releasing resentment or anger toward someone who wronged you
• Use ‘forgiveness’ when discussing healing or making amends within the family. It's an important theme in resolving conflicts.
• A: How did you move on from the argument? B: It took genuine forgiveness on both sides.
62. There was noticeable tension between the two brothers during the gathering.
• tension (noun) - A feeling of strain or unease in a relationship or situation
• Use ‘tension’ to describe friction or stress in family interactions. Helpful for explaining awkward atmospheres at events.
• A: Why was there tension at dinner? B: They haven’t resolved their past disagreements.
63. They found a compromise about holiday plans that worked for everyone.
• compromise (noun/verb) - An agreement reached by mutual concession to settle differences
• Use ‘compromise’ when discussing the resolution of differing opinions or conflicts within family settings, especially around events and decisions.
• A: How did you settle the scheduling issue? B: We made a compromise so each family branch is happy.
64. Their playful banter always cheers everyone up during gatherings.
• playful banter (noun phrase) - Lighthearted, teasing conversation among family or friends
• Use ‘playful banter’ to describe gentle, fun teasing that’s typical in warm family environments. It lightens the mood and builds rapport.
• A: I love your playful banter with Uncle Joe. B: He’s the one who taught me all the jokes.
65. We’ll gather at my parents’ house for the holiday meal.
• gather (verb) - To come together or assemble, often for a specific purpose
• Use ‘gather’ for inviting or describing how family members come together for a visit or event, emphasizing unity and purpose.
• A: What time are we gathering tomorrow? B: Let’s meet at 5 PM to start prepping dinner.
66. I can’t wait to share news of my promotion with everyone tonight.
• share news (phrase) - To inform or update others about recent events or personal updates
• Use ‘share news’ to talk about announcing life updates during family gatherings—like job changes, engagements, or new babies.
• A: Did you share news about your engagement? B: Yes, the whole family is thrilled!
67. We try to keep in touch through weekly video calls.
• keep in touch (phrase) - To maintain contact or communication
• Use ‘keep in touch’ when encouraging ongoing communication with family, especially if you live apart. It conveys care and continuity.
• A: Let’s keep in touch even after you move. B: Definitely, we can chat online often.
68. Generosity is a hallmark of our family; we always make enough food for everyone.
• hallmark (noun) - A typical or distinctive feature, often used to describe important family traits or traditions
• Use ‘hallmark’ to highlight a prominent or defining characteristic in a family or tradition. Adds a descriptive flair to conversations.
• A: What’s the hallmark of your family gatherings? B: We always have live music and dancing.
69. We did most of the meal prep before guests arrived to save time.
• meal prep (noun phrase) - The process of preparing ingredients or dishes ahead of time for meals
• Use ‘meal prep’ when organizing cooking duties for large family visits or gatherings. It implies planning and teamwork in the kitchen.
• A: Need help with meal prep? B: Yes, could you chop the vegetables?
70. My brother will host this year’s Thanksgiving dinner.
• host (noun/verb) - A person who invites and receives guests
• Use ‘host’ to indicate the person organizing or providing the space for a gathering. Useful in event coordination among relatives.
• A: Who’s the host for our reunion? B: Aunt Lily is welcoming us all at her place.
71. As the hostess, she greeted everyone at the door with a smile.
• hostess (noun) - A female host, the woman who organizes or receives guests
• Use ‘hostess’ similarly to ‘host’ but specifically for a woman. It’s sometimes used in more formal or polite contexts.
• A: Who’s acting as the hostess tonight? B: My cousin is handling all the arrangements.
72. She asked if she could bring a plus-one to the family wedding.
• plus-one (noun) - A guest brought by someone who is invited to an event
• Use ‘plus-one’ for an extra guest, often a friend or partner, who accompanies an invitee. Common for weddings or formal gatherings.
• A: Should I add your plus-one to the guest list? B: Yes, my friend would love to come.
73. We hired a babysitter for the evening so we could attend the family event.
• babysitter (noun) - A person who temporarily takes care of children, often for an hourly rate
• Use ‘babysitter’ for short-term child supervision, distinct from live-in or day-long caretakers. Helpful when parents need a break or are out.
• A: Do you know a reliable babysitter? B: Yes, my neighbor's daughter is great with kids.
74. After her sister passed away, she assumed guardianship of her niece.
• guardianship (noun) - The legal responsibility of looking after a child when the parents are unavailable
• Use ‘guardianship’ in serious contexts where one takes legal responsibility for a minor. Often arises during family planning or emergencies.
• A: How does guardianship work in your family? B: We formalized it through legal documents for my nephew.
75. They welcomed a foster child into their home last year.
• foster child (noun phrase) - A child placed in a temporary or long-term care arrangement by a foster family
• Use ‘foster child’ when discussing kids under care that isn’t biological or adoptive but sanctioned by social services. Emphasizes compassion and support.
• A: Is it challenging to raise a foster child? B: It can be, but it’s very rewarding to provide a stable environment.
76. Their adoption of a baby boy brought joy to the whole family.
• adoption (noun) - The legal process of taking another’s child and bringing them up as one’s own
• Use ‘adoption’ when discussing permanently bringing a child into the family who isn’t biologically yours. Commonly a formal, emotional topic.
• A: How long did the adoption process take? B: About a year, but it was worth it.
77. They hired a caretaker for their aging parents living in a big house.
• caretaker (noun) - A person employed to look after someone who needs help or a place that needs maintenance
• Use ‘caretaker’ for broader contexts, including property maintenance or elder care. It can overlap with healthcare or domestic tasks.
• A: Is the caretaker there daily? B: Yes, she helps with meals and housekeeping.
78. Our holiday tradition includes decorating gingerbread houses together.
• holiday tradition (noun phrase) - A special custom observed by a family every holiday season
• Use ‘holiday tradition’ to point out recurring festive activities your family does each year, fostering unity and continuity.
• A: Do you have a favorite holiday tradition? B: Yes, we exchange homemade ornaments every Christmas.
79. We celebrate Thanksgiving by inviting relatives for a big turkey dinner.
• Thanksgiving (noun (proper)) - A North American holiday in November to express gratitude and feast with family
• Use ‘Thanksgiving’ specifically for the American or Canadian holiday focused on gratitude and family. Tied to large gatherings and feasts.
• A: Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? B: Yes, I love having everyone under one roof.
80. They held a grand party for their 25th wedding anniversary.
• wedding anniversary (noun phrase) - A yearly celebration marking the date of a marriage
• Use ‘wedding anniversary’ when acknowledging or planning commemorations of marriage milestones. A big deal for extended family visits or parties.
• A: How are you celebrating your wedding anniversary? B: We’ll have a small family dinner and exchange gifts.
81. They threw an engagement party to announce the big news to family and friends.
• engagement party (noun phrase) - A celebration held soon after a couple becomes engaged
• Use ‘engagement party’ to refer to gatherings celebrating a newly engaged couple. Typically where families meet or share excitement.
• A: Are you attending the engagement party? B: Yes, I’m bringing a bottle of champagne.
82. We hosted a family barbecue in the backyard last summer.
• barbecue (noun) - An outdoor meal or gathering where food is cooked on a grill
• Use ‘barbecue’ for informal, outdoor family gatherings. Commonly involves grilling and socializing in a relaxed setting.
• A: Are you coming to the barbecue this Sunday? B: Yes, I’ll bring some marinated chicken.
83. One of our house rules is no phones at the dinner table.
• house rules (noun phrase) - Guidelines set by the head of the household on acceptable behavior or tasks
• Use ‘house rules’ to explain or enforce family guidelines, especially useful with guests or younger relatives. It sets clear expectations.
• A: What are the house rules for visitors? B: Just respect bedtime hours and clean up after yourself.
84. We always consider my uncle’s dietary restriction when planning family meals.
• dietary restriction (noun phrase) - A limitation on what one can eat, often for health or religious reasons
• Use ‘dietary restriction’ when organizing a menu for family gatherings, ensuring everyone’s health or religious practices are respected.
• A: Any dietary restrictions we should know about? B: I’m allergic to nuts, so please avoid them.
85. We shared the leftover desserts with neighbors the next day.
• leftover (noun/adj) - Remaining food from a meal that wasn’t finished
• Use ‘leftover’ in family meal contexts when referring to extra food after an event. Families often share or repurpose these meals.
• A: Any leftover lasagna? B: Yes, there’s plenty in the fridge for lunch tomorrow.
86. We all felt snug by the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa.
• snug (adjective) - Comfortably warm and cozy
• Use ‘snug’ to describe a comfortable, homey feeling often experienced during family gatherings. It adds a warm, cozy vibe to your description.
• A: Are you comfy in the guest room? B: Yes, it’s so snug and warm here.
87. Family visits are perfect bonding time for siblings who rarely see each other.
• bonding time (noun phrase) - A period spent strengthening relationships or emotional connections
• Use ‘bonding time’ when talking about opportunities to grow closer within the family, focusing on shared activities or heartfelt conversations.
• A: Let’s plan some bonding time with the kids. B: Good idea; maybe a board game night.
88. My toddler had a meltdown after missing nap time at the family event.
• meltdown (noun) - An emotional outburst often associated with stress or frustration, especially in young children
• Use ‘meltdown’ to describe a situation where someone, typically a child, has an intense emotional reaction. Common in lively family gatherings.
• A: What caused the meltdown? B: He was overtired and hungry, so he just broke down.
89. She offered motherly advice to her daughter about relationships and life choices.
• motherly advice (noun phrase) - Guidance or counsel given in a nurturing or caring manner, usually from a mother figure
• Use ‘motherly advice’ to highlight caring, empathetic guidance from a maternal figure. It’s affectionate and suggests genuine concern.
• A: Did you talk to your mom about it? B: Yes, she gave me some motherly advice on managing stress.
90. His fatherly advice helped me navigate career decisions.
• fatherly advice (noun phrase) - Guidance or counsel given by a father figure, often practical or protective
• Use ‘fatherly advice’ to underscore paternal wisdom or a protective stance. Conveys a supportive, guiding role from a dad or father figure.
• A: Any fatherly advice on fixing this leaky faucet? B: Sure, I’ll show you how to tighten the valve.
91. Our sibling bond grew stronger when we supported each other through tough times.
• sibling bond (noun phrase) - A close relationship or connection between brothers and sisters
• Use ‘sibling bond’ to emphasize the unity and closeness among brothers or sisters. It’s often highlighted in family narratives.
• A: Did you notice how strong their sibling bond is? B: Yes, they always have each other’s backs.
92. We traveled out of state for my nephew’s graduation ceremony.
• nephew’s graduation (noun phrase) - A celebratory event marking your nephew’s completion of a school level
• Use ‘nephew’s graduation’ (or similarly for nieces or siblings) in contexts of milestone family celebrations, underscoring pride and support.
• A: Did you enjoy your nephew’s graduation? B: Yes, I was so proud seeing him in his cap and gown.
93. All the family from overseas flew in for our cousin’s wedding.
• cousin’s wedding (noun phrase) - A marriage ceremony and celebration for one’s cousin
• Use ‘cousin’s wedding’ to talk about special family events that bring distant relatives together. Great for discussing planning or traveling.
• A: Are you attending your cousin’s wedding? B: Definitely, it’s a major family reunion opportunity.
94. We hosted a large party for my grandparent’s milestone birthday of 90 years.
• grandparent’s milestone (noun phrase) - A special anniversary or birthday for a grandparent, like turning 80 or 90
• Use ‘grandparent’s milestone’ for significant ages or anniversaries. Commonly sparks big gatherings and tributes from multiple generations.
• A: Are you going to your grandparent’s milestone celebration? B: Yes, the entire extended family will be there.
95. I felt so proud of my daughter for performing at the family talent show.
• proud (adjective) - Feeling deep satisfaction or pleasure in someone’s achievements or qualities
• Use ‘proud’ in supportive family contexts, especially praising achievements or good behavior. It shows positive, encouraging feelings.
• A: You must be proud of your son’s award. B: Extremely—I can’t wait to see what he does next.
96. My younger cousin acted bratty until she got the candy she wanted.
• bratty (adjective) - Behaving in a spoilt, rude, or unpleasant manner, often used for children
• Use ‘bratty’ informally to describe a child’s difficult or spoiled behavior. It’s casual and sometimes playful, but can also be critical.
• A: Was your nephew being bratty again? B: Yes, he whined about every little thing.
97. Our grandparents expect us to be polite at the dinner table.
• polite (adjective) - Having or showing good manners and respect for others
• Use ‘polite’ to comment on manners or courtesy within family gatherings, especially around elders or formal dinners.
• A: Are the kids usually polite to guests? B: Yes, we teach them to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’
98. We engaged in polite conversation with relatives we hadn’t seen for years.
• polite conversation (noun phrase) - Courteous, respectful small talk, often used to maintain a friendly atmosphere
• Use ‘polite conversation’ to describe surface-level, respectful chat that avoids controversial topics. Ideal for large family functions.
• A: What do you talk about during family dinners? B: Usually polite conversation about work, school, or hobbies.
99. My teenage niece asked for privacy to study in the guest room.
• privacy (noun) - The state of being free from public attention or intrusion
• Use ‘privacy’ when discussing personal space or boundaries in a shared family environment. Important for harmonious co-living.
• A: Does everyone respect your privacy at home? B: Mostly, but sometimes they just walk in unannounced.
100. We set the kids’ bedtime at 8 PM, even on family visits.
• bedtime (noun) - The usual time when one goes to bed
• Use ‘bedtime’ to discuss routines or schedules for children in a household. Commonly established by parents or guardians during visits.
• A: What’s the bedtime routine at Grandma’s? B: We read a story together before lights out.
101. My aunt offered homework help whenever I struggled with math.
• homework help (noun phrase) - Assistance provided to a child with their school assignments
• Use ‘homework help’ when coordinating educational support among relatives, showcasing involvement in a child’s academic development.
• A: Could you give your nephew some homework help? B: Sure, I’m good at science projects.