What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
son
Example
My son is going to college next year. [son: noun]
Example
He is the son of my cousin's sister. [son: noun]
Example
He was like a son to me, always helping out when I needed it. [son: noun]
offspring
Example
The lioness had several offspring in her litter. [offspring: noun]
Example
The royal family's offspring are expected to follow certain traditions. [offspring: noun]
Example
Her latest book is the offspring of years of research and writing. [offspring: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Son is more common in everyday language than offspring, which is more often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between son and offspring?
Offspring is more formal than son and is often used in scientific or technical contexts, while son is more commonly used in everyday language and is less formal.
