What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
family
Example
My family is planning a reunion next month. [family: noun]
Example
She comes from a large family with six siblings. [family: adjective]
household
Example
Our household consists of my husband, our two kids, and me. [household: noun]
Example
She manages the household budget and pays the bills. [household: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Family is a more commonly used term than household in everyday language. Family is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while household is a more specific term that is typically used in legal or administrative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between family and household?
While family is a more informal term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, household is a more formal term that is typically used in legal or administrative contexts.
