0

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term family as "a social group made up of parents and their children." So it's my understanding that this would include me, my parents and any siblings. However, some people say "you and your family" as if they're two separate entities. The examples I see the most often are "I wish you and your family all the best" and "deepest condolences to you and your family."

So does the term family include that person themselves? In other words, is the phrase "you and your family" redundant?

Improve this question
6
  • 2
    The sense is “you and (the rest of) your family.
    – user 66974
    Commented Mar 27, 2021 at 23:01
  • 2
    Depends on context.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Mar 27, 2021 at 23:44
  • 'You and your family' would be used when speaking, or addressing a written message to, only one person from that family.
    – Kate Bunting
    Commented Mar 28, 2021 at 7:53
  • Then there’s “your whole family”...
    – Jim
    Commented Mar 29, 2021 at 1:16
  • 1
    This usage definitely depends on context, but the word "family" always depends on context: it may mean you plus your parents and your siblings; or you plus your spouse/partner and your children; or your extended family (including grandparents, aunts and uncles, and maybe even more distant relations); or your ancestors; or possibly something else. Hence it's always better to clarify.
    – Stuart F
    Commented Mar 29, 2021 at 11:36

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

In this context, family can specify exactly who and who it refers to. He's" family". You and your family is not redundant. "Your family", or "the family that belongs to you."

When said in conversation, "your family is always welcome here" or "you and your family are always welcome here". By not including "you and", "your family" is referring to members of your family who are not present to hear it. My family is hosting our tenth annual holiday party in honor of the Singh family's arrival in the new world.

You and your family generalizes to "your family". Is your family going hiking this year? Without additional context, it's impossible to determine if "your family" and your family.

Family - FAMILiar to You

"Is he family?", "No, never seen him before."

When used in writing, "your family" is almost always

Improve this answer
1
  • This could do with an edit (if only to complete the final sentence). It's not all that clear what your position is with regard to the title question (Does the term “family” include the person themselves?) and the final few lines just confuse the issue. I'm a lot more familiar with some of my friends than I am with some members of my family.
    – KillingTime
    Commented Mar 29, 2021 at 11:28

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .