noun phrase · neutral
nuclear family
UK/ˈnjuːklɪə ˈfæmɪli/US/ˈnuːkliər ˈfæməli/NU·cle·ar FA·mi·ly
A family group consisting only of parents and their children.
Examples
“Many studies compare outcomes for children in nuclear families versus extended families.”
“They decided to start a nuclear family after getting married.”
“Nuclear family households are common in urban areas.”
Band 8 sentence
“Urbanisation has increased the prevalence of nuclear family households, as young couples move to cities for work.”
Collocations
- nuclear family household
- traditional nuclear family
Word family
Common mistakes
nuclear family = family nuclear→nuclear family
the nuclear family are→the nuclear family is
Say it for a higher band
5small family→6immediate family→7+nuclear family
Synonyms
immediate family
Easily confused
immediate family
“Only immediate family members were informed about the will.”
Related words
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In Family & Relationships
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