Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone!

When I was watching an interview program called "Actor's Studio" on TV, I heard the interviewer say to the guest, "Do you have any siblings?"

I didn't know the word "sibling" can be used this way. I always used to say "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" despite thet fact that it's very long.

Do you encourage ESL learners to use the word "sibling" like this?

yoshi-pooh

[Lorikeet]

I don't bother teaching it to lower level students unless someone asks me what it means. I don't think we use that word as much as "brothers and sisters" although it's always nice to use one word instead of three. Other people may have different opinions.

[CP]

Perfectly good word for anyone to use, but not so common that people would learn it before, say, "nephew." Sometimes shortened to "sibs."

"Did you see your sibs at Thanksgiving?"
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[yoshi-pooh]

Lorikeet, CP, thanks for your replies.

Maybe I need to change my prejudice against the use of "siblings."

yoshi-pooh