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Talking about family in English (advanced)
Advanced English for talking about family. Key line: “Hey, if it's not too *personal*, could I *ask* about your *family* a bit?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, if it's not too personal, could I ask about your family a bit?
Them
Sure—small warning, though: once I start, my mom somehow gets top billing.
Lin
No worries. So, are you close with them, or spread all over?
Them
Pretty close, actually. My parents live nearby, and my sister drops by constantly.
Lin
That sounds nice. Who's the ringleader in the family group chat?
Them
My mom, definitely. She treats it like a live newsroom with soup updates.
Lin
Honestly, that sounds amazing—mine only wakes up when someone posts old photos.
Them
Lucky you. Ours pings so much I know dinner's ready before Dad does.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
polite start
✓ if it's not too personalif it's not too personal
Softens the question for personal topics
very close
✓ Are you close with them?Are you close with them?
Use close with + people
live apart
✓ spread all overspread all over
Often used when family members live apart
visits a lot
✓ drops by constantlydrops by constantly
drop by = come visit; no 'for'
Quick answers
polite start: what to say in English
Say “if it's not too personal” — if it's not too personal. Softens the question for personal topics.
very close: what to say in English
Say “Are you close with them?” — are you close with them. Use close with + people.
live apart: what to say in English
Say “spread all over” — spread all over. Often used when family members live apart.
visits a lot: what to say in English
Say “drops by constantly” — drops by constantly. drop by = come visit; no 'for'.