This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #45 most common 9 min read

kids

Top 45

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips kids in 30 Seconds

Explanation kids in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'kids' is one of the first plural nouns you learn. It is used to describe family members or people you see in your immediate environment. You use it in simple sentences like 'I have two kids' or 'The kids are happy'. The focus is on basic identification and pluralization. You learn that 'kids' is the plural of 'kid' and that it refers to human children in everyday talk. It is a high-frequency word that helps you talk about your life and family during basic introductions.

At the A2 level, you start using 'kids' in more varied contexts, such as describing daily routines or school activities. You might say, 'The kids go to school at 8 AM' or 'I saw the kids playing in the park'. You also begin to understand the possessive form, 'the kids' toys'. You can use adjectives to describe them, like 'the small kids' or 'the noisy kids'. At this stage, you are becoming more comfortable with the informal tone of the word compared to the more formal 'children'.

At the B1 level, you use 'kids' to discuss broader topics like education, hobbies, and social behavior. You can express opinions, such as 'I think kids spend too much time on phones'. You also start to encounter 'kids' in common idioms and phrases like 'kid's stuff' (something very easy). You understand the register difference clearly and can choose between 'kids' and 'children' depending on whether you are writing a friendly email or a more formal letter. Your sentences become more complex, involving subordinate clauses.

At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'kids' in different English-speaking cultures. You can follow discussions about 'the kids of today' versus 'the kids of the past'. You are familiar with more advanced idiomatic expressions like 'the new kid on the block' or 'handling someone with kid gloves'. You can use 'kids' to convey specific tones, such as irony or nostalgia. You also recognize when 'kids' is used sarcastically to refer to adults who are acting immaturely.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of the sociolinguistic implications of the word 'kids'. You can analyze how the word is used in marketing to target specific demographics or how it is used in political rhetoric to evoke emotion. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word from its animal origins to its current status. You can use the word fluently in complex arguments, balancing its informality with the surrounding academic or professional vocabulary to achieve a specific rhetorical effect.

At the C2 level, your use of 'kids' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You understand the subtle power dynamics involved when an older person calls a younger person a 'kid'. You can use the word in creative writing to establish a specific voice or atmosphere. You are familiar with obscure literary references and the full range of slang associated with the word. You can effortlessly switch between 'kids', 'children', 'offspring', and 'juveniles' to perfectly match the tone, register, and legal or social requirements of any communicative situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

kids in 30 Seconds

Informal plural for children or young people.
Commonly used in daily conversation and casual settings.
Originally meant young goats but now refers to humans.
Versatile word used for toddlers through teenagers.

The word kids is the most common informal way to refer to children or young people in the English-speaking world. While the formal term is 'children', 'kids' is used in almost every daily situation, from parents talking about their own offspring to teachers addressing a classroom. It carries a sense of warmth, familiarity, and casualness that 'children' sometimes lacks. Historically, the word 'kid' referred exclusively to a young goat, but by the 19th century, it became a popular slang term for a human child. Today, it is so widely accepted that it is rarely considered 'slang' anymore, though it remains informal. You will hear it in movies, in the grocery store, and among friends. It is important to note that 'kids' can refer to toddlers, elementary school students, and even teenagers, depending on the context of the speaker. For instance, a college professor might refer to their adult students as 'kids' in a paternalistic or humorous way, though this is less common.

Informality: The word is best suited for conversations, emails to friends, and casual storytelling. In a legal document or a formal scientific report, you should use 'children' or 'minors' instead.
Age Range: Generally refers to anyone from birth to age 18, but often implies school-aged children who are active and playful.
Collective Identity: It is often used to group a set of siblings or a group of friends, as in 'The kids are alright' or 'I need to pick up the kids'.

I saw a group of kids playing soccer in the park yesterday afternoon.

How many kids do you have? I have two sons and a daughter.

The kids at school are really excited about the upcoming summer vacation.

Don't mind them; they are just kids being kids.

Are the kids ready for dinner yet?

In summary, 'kids' is the go-to word for everyday life. It encompasses the energy, innocence, and sometimes the chaos associated with youth. Whether you are at a birthday party, a school gate, or just watching a movie, 'kids' is the term that bridges the gap between biological description and social reality. It is a word that invites a sense of community, as we often talk about 'our kids' or 'the neighborhood kids', implying a shared responsibility and observation of the younger generation's growth and development.

Using 'kids' correctly involves understanding its role as a plural count noun. It follows standard English grammar rules for pluralization, but because it is informal, its placement in a sentence often reflects conversational flow. You can use it as a subject, an object, or part of a possessive phrase. For example, 'The kids' toys are everywhere' uses the possessive form to show ownership. When using 'kids' as a subject, ensure the verb agrees: 'The kids are' rather than 'The kids is'. This is a common mistake for beginners. Furthermore, 'kids' can be modified by adjectives to provide more detail, such as 'noisy kids', 'smart kids', or 'little kids'.

As a Subject: The kids want to go to the zoo this weekend. (The kids perform the action of wanting).
As an Object: We took the kids to the park after lunch. (The kids receive the action of being taken).
Possessive Form: The kids' bedroom is a mess. (Note the apostrophe after the 's' for plural possession).

Both of my kids are excellent at drawing.

She works as a nanny, so she spends all day with kids.

Are those kids from the neighborhood?

When you are describing a group, 'kids' is very flexible. You can say 'the kids' to refer to a specific group you already mentioned, or just 'kids' to talk about children in general. For example, 'Kids love ice cream' is a general statement about all children. In contrast, 'The kids love ice cream' refers to a specific group, like your own children. This distinction is vital for clear communication. Additionally, 'kids' is often paired with verbs of movement and sound, such as 'running', 'shouting', 'playing', and 'laughing', which reflects the energetic nature of the subjects it describes.

You will encounter the word 'kids' in a vast array of social settings. In the home, it is the primary word parents use to call their children: 'Kids, come down for dinner!' or 'Have the kids finished their homework?' In educational settings, while 'students' is the formal term, teachers often use 'kids' to refer to their class in a friendly, approachable way, especially in primary and middle schools. In the media, 'kids' is used in titles of television shows, movies, and books—think of 'Spy Kids' or 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid'. It is a word that signals content specifically designed for a younger audience.

At the Park: 'Watch out for the kids on the slide!' Parents and guardians use the word constantly to monitor safety.
In Advertising: 'Kids eat free on Tuesdays!' Restaurants use this to attract families with a casual, welcoming tone.
In Pop Culture: Songs often use 'kids' to represent youth, rebellion, or nostalgia, such as in the song 'Kids' by MGMT.

The kids these days are so tech-savvy.

Furthermore, 'kids' is frequently used in professional contexts that involve children but maintain a relaxed atmosphere, such as pediatricians' offices, toy stores, and theme parks. A doctor might ask, 'How are the kids doing today?' to build rapport with a parent. This usage softens the clinical environment. In the workplace, colleagues might ask each other, 'How are the kids?' as a standard piece of small talk, showing interest in each other's personal lives. This demonstrates that 'kids' is not just a label for children, but a social bridge that facilitates connection between adults through the shared experience of raising or knowing children.

While 'kids' is a simple word, there are several common pitfalls for English learners. The most frequent mistake is using 'kids' in a context that is too formal. For example, in a university application essay or a legal deposition, using 'kids' can make the writer seem unprofessional or uneducated. In these cases, 'children', 'youth', or 'individuals' is much more appropriate. Another mistake involves the possessive form. Many learners struggle with where to put the apostrophe. Since 'kids' is plural and ends in 's', the apostrophe goes after the 's' (kids'). Writing 'kid's' refers to something belonging to only one child, which is a different meaning entirely.

Formal Writing: Avoid: 'The kids in the study showed improvement.' Use: 'The children in the study showed improvement.'
Apostrophe Placement: Incorrect: 'The kids's toys.' Correct: 'The kids' toys.'
Countability: Incorrect: 'There is many kids.' Correct: 'There are many kids.'

Incorrect: I have three childs. Correct: I have three kids.

Additionally, some learners confuse 'kids' with 'kidding'. While they share the same root, 'kidding' is a verb meaning to joke. Saying 'I am kids' is a major grammatical error; you should say 'I am kidding' if you are joking, or 'I have kids' if you are talking about your children. Another subtle mistake is using 'kids' to refer to a group that includes elderly people. While it can be used affectionately for a group of friends of any age (e.g., 'Alright kids, let's go!'), it can sometimes be perceived as patronizing if the age gap isn't appropriate or if the relationship isn't close enough. Always gauge the social hierarchy before using 'kids' to address adults.

English has many words to describe young people, each with a slightly different nuance. 'Children' is the standard, neutral, and formal term. 'Youngsters' is a bit old-fashioned and often used by older people to describe the youth. 'Toddlers' specifically refers to very young children who are just learning to walk (usually ages 1-3). 'Teenagers' or 'teens' refers to those aged 13-19. 'Offspring' is a biological term often used in scientific or very formal contexts. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right word for the right situation, ensuring your English sounds natural and precise.

Children vs. Kids: 'Children' is formal; 'kids' is informal. Use 'children' in books and 'kids' in speech.
Infants/Babies: These terms are for the very youngest kids who cannot yet walk or talk much.
Youth: A collective noun often used in news reports or social discussions about the younger generation as a whole.

The toddlers are playing in the sandbox, while the older kids are on the swings.

In slang, you might hear terms like 'rugrats', 'tykes', or 'littles'. 'Rugrats' is a playful, slightly messy term for small children. 'Tykes' is often used affectionately for energetic little boys. 'Littles' is a more modern, often internet-based term for young children. On the more formal end, 'minors' is the legal term for anyone under the age of majority. By mastering these synonyms, you can move beyond the basic A1 level and start expressing specific ideas about age and social status. For example, saying 'The youngsters in our neighborhood' sounds much more descriptive than just 'The kids'.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The use of 'kid' to mean a human child was considered low-class slang in the 1800s, but it is now used by everyone from presidents to professors.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɪdz/

US /kɪdz/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

lids bids grids rids skids slids squids mids

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp 's' instead of a 'z'.
Making the 'i' sound too long, like 'keeds'.
Adding an extra syllable like 'kid-ez'.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'beds'.
Swallowing the 'd' sound so it sounds like 'kiz'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Watch out for the plural possessive apostrophe.

Speaking 1/5

Commonly used and easy to pronounce.

Listening 1/5

Very high frequency in spoken English.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

child play family boy girl

Learn Next

teenager adult parent sibling youth

Advanced

offspring descendant progeny juvenile minor

Grammar to Know

Plural Nouns

One kid, two kids.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The kids are (not is) playing.

Possessive Apostrophe

The kids' toys (plural) vs. The kid's toy (singular).

Quantifiers

Many kids, few kids, some kids.

Demonstratives

These kids (near), those kids (far).

Examples by Level

The kids are in the garden.

Les enfants sont dans le jardin.

Plural subject 'kids' takes the verb 'are'.

I have three kids.

J'ai trois enfants.

Using 'kids' to talk about one's own children.

The kids like apples.

Les enfants aiment les pommes.

Simple present tense with a plural subject.

Are the kids happy?

Les enfants sont-ils heureux ?

Question form using 'Are' for plural.

Look at those kids!

Regarde ces enfants !

Using 'those' for plural objects far away.

The kids are sleeping.

Les enfants dorment.

Present continuous tense for an ongoing action.

My kids go to school.

Mes enfants vont à l'école.

Possessive adjective 'my' with plural noun.

The kids play with a ball.

Les enfants jouent avec un ballon.

Plural noun followed by the base form of the verb.

The kids' toys are on the floor.

Les jouets des enfants sont par terre.

Plural possessive: apostrophe after the 's'.

We saw many kids at the zoo.

Nous avons vu beaucoup d'enfants au zoo.

Using 'many' with a countable plural noun.

The kids were very noisy yesterday.

Les enfants étaient très bruyants hier.

Past tense of 'to be' for plural: 'were'.

Do the kids want some juice?

Les enfants veulent-ils du jus ?

Using 'Do' for questions in the present simple.

The kids are learning to swim.

Les enfants apprennent à nager.

Present continuous with the verb 'learn'.

I need to buy shoes for the kids.

Je dois acheter des chaussures pour les enfants.

Preposition 'for' followed by the noun.

The kids helped me in the kitchen.

Les enfants m'ont aidé dans la cuisine.

Past simple regular verb 'helped'.

All the kids in the class are nice.

Tous les enfants de la classe sont gentils.

Using 'All' to refer to the whole group.

It's just kid's stuff; anyone can do it.

C'est un jeu d'enfant ; n'importe qui peut le faire.

Idiomatic use of 'kid's stuff' meaning very easy.

The kids are getting older so fast.

Les enfants grandissent si vite.

Using 'get' + comparative adjective for change.

We should encourage kids to read more.

Nous devrions encourager les enfants à lire davantage.

Modal verb 'should' for giving advice.

The kids were excited about the trip.

Les enfants étaient excités par le voyage.

Adjective 'excited' followed by 'about'.

Most kids today know how to use a tablet.

La plupart des enfants d'aujourd'hui savent utiliser une tablette.

Using 'Most' to generalize about a group.

I used to play here when I was one of the kids.

J'avais l'habitude de jouer ici quand j'étais l'un des enfants.

'Used to' for past habits or states.

The kids' performance was amazing.

La performance des enfants était incroyable.

Possessive plural noun as the subject of the sentence.

How do you keep the kids entertained?

Comment occupez-vous les enfants ?

Using 'keep' + object + adjective/participle.

He's the new kid on the block in the tech industry.

C'est le nouveau venu dans l'industrie technologique.

Idiom 'new kid on the block' for a newcomer.

You have to handle him with kid gloves.

Il faut le manipuler avec des pincettes.

Idiom 'kid gloves' meaning with great tact or care.

The kids were caught loitering outside the mall.

Les jeunes ont été surpris à traîner devant le centre commercial.

Passive voice 'were caught' with a present participle.

It's important for kids to develop social skills early.

Il est important que les enfants développent tôt des compétences sociales.

Infinitive phrase as the real subject of the sentence.

The movie appeals to both kids and adults.

Le film plaît aussi bien aux enfants qu'aux adultes.

Correlative conjunctions 'both... and'.

Stop acting like kids and be professional.

Arrêtez de vous comporter comme des enfants et soyez professionnels.

Using 'like' for comparison in a derogatory way.

The neighborhood kids always play basketball here.

Les enfants du quartier jouent toujours au basket ici.

Compound noun 'neighborhood kids'.

I'm not kidding; the kids actually cleaned their room!

Je ne plaisante pas ; les enfants ont vraiment rangé leur chambre !

Contrast between the verb 'kidding' and the noun 'kids'.

The sociological impact on kids raised in urban environments is profound.

L'impact sociologique sur les enfants élevés en milieu urbain est profond.

Complex subject with a past participle phrase 'raised in...'

We need to protect the kids from predatory marketing.

Nous devons protéger les enfants du marketing prédateur.

Verb 'protect' followed by object and 'from'.

The kids are the primary stakeholders in the future of education.

Les enfants sont les principales parties prenantes de l'avenir de l'éducation.

Using business terminology 'stakeholders' in a social context.

Despite being the 'cool kids', they were quite welcoming.

Bien qu'ils soient les 'jeunes branchés', ils étaient assez accueillants.

Idiomatic use of 'cool kids' to denote social status.

The policy aims to provide better opportunities for underprivileged kids.

La politique vise à offrir de meilleures opportunités aux enfants défavorisés.

Adjective 'underprivileged' modifying 'kids'.

She has a way with kids that is truly remarkable.

Elle a un don avec les enfants qui est vraiment remarquable.

Idiom 'have a way with' meaning a natural talent for dealing with.

The kids' resilience in the face of adversity was inspiring.

La résilience des enfants face à l'adversité était inspirante.

Abstract noun 'resilience' possessed by 'kids'.

Are we just leaving the problem for the next generation of kids to solve?

Sommes-nous en train de laisser le problème à la prochaine génération d'enfants ?

Rhetorical question using a complex noun phrase.

The dichotomy between the 'inner city kids' and their suburban counterparts is stark.

La dichotomie entre les 'jeunes des quartiers' et leurs homologues de banlieue est frappante.

High-level vocabulary like 'dichotomy' and 'counterparts'.

He's no longer the whiz kid he once was in the eighties.

Il n'est plus le petit génie qu'il était dans les années quatre-vingt.

Idiom 'whiz kid' used retrospectively.

The kids' vernacular has evolved significantly due to social media.

Le vernaculaire des jeunes a considérablement évolué à cause des réseaux sociaux.

Linguistic term 'vernacular' applied to 'kids'.

To treat them like kids would be a grave strategic error.

Les traiter comme des enfants serait une grave erreur stratégique.

Infinitive phrase as subject, using 'kids' as a metaphor for incompetence.

The foster kids were finally placed in a permanent home.

Les enfants placés ont enfin été installés dans un foyer permanent.

Specific social term 'foster kids'.

They are the 'forgotten kids' of the current economic crisis.

Ce sont les 'enfants oubliés' de la crise économique actuelle.

Metaphorical use of 'forgotten' to describe a demographic.

The kids' collective outcry forced the school board to reconsider.

Le tollé collectif des enfants a forcé le conseil scolaire à reconsidérer sa position.

Using 'collective outcry' to show agency in 'kids'.

In the grand tapestry of life, we are all just kids trying to find our way.

Dans la grande tapisserie de la vie, nous ne sommes tous que des enfants qui cherchent leur chemin.

Philosophical and metaphorical use of 'kids' for all humanity.

Common Collocations

have kids

raise kids

school kids

neighborhood kids

little kids

older kids

cool kids

smart kids

troubled kids

only kids

Common Phrases

the kids are alright

— Everything is fine with the younger generation.

Despite the changes, the kids are alright.

just for kids

— Specifically designed for children.

This menu is just for kids.

kids these days

— A common complaint about the behavior of modern youth.

Kids these days don't know how to use a map.

a group of kids

— Several children together.

A group of kids was waiting for the bus.

when we were kids

— Refers to the speaker's own childhood.

When we were kids, we played outside all day.

for the kids

— Doing something for the benefit of children.

We bought the pool for the kids.

both kids

— Referring to two children.

Both kids are in college now.

all the kids

— Every child in a specific group.

All the kids got a present.

the kids' room

— The bedroom belonging to the children.

Go clean the kids' room.

pick up the kids

— To collect children from school or an activity.

I have to pick up the kids at 3 PM.

Often Confused With

kids vs kidding

Kidding is a verb meaning joking; kids is a noun meaning children.

kids vs kits

Kits are sets of tools or young foxes; kids are children.

kids vs kids'

This is the possessive form; kids is the simple plural.

Idioms & Expressions

"kid's stuff"

— Something that is very easy to do.

Fixing this computer is kid's stuff.

informal

"new kid on the block"

— A person who has recently joined a group or organization.

I'm the new kid on the block at the office.

informal

"handle with kid gloves"

— To treat someone or something with extreme care and tact.

The boss is sensitive, so handle him with kid gloves.

neutral

"whiz kid"

— A young person who is exceptionally intelligent or successful.

The company was started by a 19-year-old whiz kid.

informal

"kids' play"

— An activity that is very easy or simple.

The exam was kids' play for her.

informal

"the cool kids"

— The popular or trendy group in a social setting.

She never felt like she belonged with the cool kids.

informal

"no kidding"

— Used to express surprise or to agree that something is obvious.

No kidding! I didn't know he was famous.

informal

"poster kid"

— A person who is a perfect example of a particular quality or situation.

He's the poster kid for healthy living.

informal

"comeback kid"

— Someone who becomes successful again after a period of failure.

After his injury, the athlete became the ultimate comeback kid.

informal

"kid at heart"

— An adult who still enjoys things that children enjoy.

He's 70 years old, but he's still a kid at heart.

informal

Easily Confused

kids vs Children

Both mean the same thing.

Children is formal/neutral; kids is informal. Use children in books and kids in talk.

The children are in the library. The kids are in the yard.

kids vs Toddlers

Both refer to young people.

Toddlers are specifically ages 1-3; kids can be any age up to 18.

The toddlers are learning to walk, but the kids are running.

kids vs Youth

Both refer to the younger generation.

Youth is often a collective noun or more formal/sociological.

The youth of today face many challenges. The kids in my class are nice.

kids vs Offspring

Both refer to someone's children.

Offspring is biological and very formal; kids is casual.

The bird fed its offspring. I fed the kids.

kids vs Infants

Both refer to children.

Infants are very young babies; kids are usually older.

The hospital has a ward for infants. The kids are at the playground.

Sentence Patterns

The kids are [adjective].

The kids are happy.

I have [number] kids.

I have two kids.

The kids are [verb-ing].

The kids are playing.

The kids' [noun] is/are [adjective].

The kids' room is big.

Most kids like [noun].

Most kids like chocolate.

When I was one of the kids, I [past verb].

When I was one of the kids, I lived in London.

It is important for kids to [verb].

It is important for kids to exercise.

The impact on kids of [noun] is [adjective].

The impact on kids of social media is significant.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in spoken English; high in casual written English.

Common Mistakes

The kids is playing. → The kids are playing.
'Kids' is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.
I have two childs. → I have two kids (or children).
The plural of child is children, but 'kids' is a common alternative.
The kid's are here. → The kids are here.
Do not use an apostrophe just to make a word plural.
I am kids. → I am kidding.
'Kids' is a noun; 'kidding' is the verb form for joking.
The kids's toys. → The kids' toys.
For plural nouns ending in 's', the possessive is just an apostrophe.

Tips

Context Matters

Always check if the situation is formal or informal. If you are talking to a boss you don't know well, use 'children'.

Plural Verb

Always use 'are', 'were', or 'have' with 'kids'. Never say 'The kids is playing'.

The 'Z' Sound

Practice saying 'kidz'. The voiced ending makes you sound more like a native speaker.

Apostrophe Rule

Remember: one kid's toy, many kids' toys. The position of the apostrophe is very important for meaning.

Synonym Choice

Use 'toddlers' for very small children to be more descriptive than just using 'kids'.

Small Talk

Asking 'How are the kids?' is a great way to start a conversation with a colleague or neighbor.

Kid's Stuff

Use the phrase 'kid's stuff' to describe a task that you find very easy to complete.

Movie Practice

Watch family movies and count how many times they say 'kids' versus 'children'.

Global English

'Kids' is understood everywhere English is spoken, so it is a very safe word to learn.

Creative Writing

Try writing a short story from the perspective of one of the 'kids' to practice the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

KIDS: Keep In Daily Sight. Children are always around us, keeping us busy!

Visual Association

Imagine a group of young goats (kids) wearing school backpacks. This links the original meaning to the modern one.

Word Web

children play school toys family young parents youth

Challenge

Try to use the word 'kids' in three different sentences today: one about your family, one about a park, and one about a movie.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English word 'kide', which came from the Old Norse word 'kið'.

Original meaning: A young goat.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Generally safe, but avoid in formal academic or legal writing.

It is the standard informal term across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

The Kids in the Hall (Comedy troupe) Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book series) Kids (1995 Film)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

The kids are hungry.
Where are the kids?
Tell the kids to come here.
The kids' room is messy.

At School

The kids are in class.
The kids love the teacher.
The kids are on a trip.
Help the kids with lunch.

At the Park

Watch the kids.
The kids are on the swings.
Many kids are here today.
Are those your kids?

In a Restaurant

A menu for the kids.
Do the kids want juice?
The kids eat for free.
High chairs for the kids.

Small Talk

How are the kids?
Do you have kids?
The kids are growing up.
My kids are at school.

Conversation Starters

"How many kids do you have in your family?"

"What do the kids in your country usually do for fun?"

"Do you think kids today spend too much time on the internet?"

"What was your favorite game when you were one of the kids?"

"Are the kids in your neighborhood usually noisy or quiet?"

Journal Prompts

Describe what the kids in your neighborhood are doing today. Are they playing or going to school?

Write about a time when you were one of the kids. What did you like to do with your friends?

If you have kids or want kids, what are three things you want to teach them?

Compare how kids lived fifty years ago to how kids live today. What is the biggest difference?

Write a story about a group of kids who find a mysterious map in their backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'kids' is not rude. It is a very common and friendly word. However, in very formal situations, 'children' is more polite and professional.

Yes, parents and teachers often refer to teenagers as 'kids'. For example, 'The high school kids are having a dance tonight.'

The singular is 'kid'. For example, 'That kid is very smart.' or 'I was a happy kid.'

Yes, 'kids' is used throughout the UK, though you might also hear 'children' or regional terms like 'bairns' or 'nippers'.

Yes, in a farming context, 'kids' are young goats. However, in 99% of daily conversation, it means human children.

Because 'kids' is a plural ending in 's', you just add an apostrophe at the end: kids'. Example: 'The kids' toys'.

Yes, many parents call their children 'kids' even when they are 30 or 40 years old. It is an affectionate way to refer to them.

'Kiddies' is even more informal and often sounds a bit childish or overly sweet. 'Kids' is the standard informal term.

It means 'I am not joking' or 'That is obviously true'. It is a very common idiom.

Avoid it in legal documents, medical reports, academic essays, and very formal business letters.