What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
children
Example
The children were playing in the park. [children: noun]
Example
She has three children, two boys and a girl. [children: noun]
offspring
Example
The bird's offspring have left the nest. [offspring: noun]
Example
The scientist studied the offspring of the genetically modified plants. [offspring: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Children is more commonly used in everyday language, especially when referring to young human beings. Offspring is less common and is often used in more technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between children and offspring?
While children is considered more informal and is commonly used in everyday language, offspring is more formal and is often used in scientific or technical contexts.