What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
child
Example
The child played happily in the park. [child: noun]
Example
She has two children, a boy and a girl. [children: plural noun]
kid
Example
The kids had a great time at the birthday party. [kids: plural noun]
Example
He's such a kid at heart, always making jokes. [kid: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Child is more commonly used than kid in everyday language, especially in formal settings. Child is a widely recognized term that covers a broader age range, while kid is more commonly used in informal or familiar contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between child and kid?
While child is associated with a formal and neutral tone, kid is more informal and can be used in casual or colloquial conversations.
