a developing child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a developing child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a child who is in the process of growth and maturation, both physically and mentally. Example: "The study focused on the nutritional needs of a developing child to ensure proper growth and health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In other words, any amount of lead is a potential hazard to a developing child.

The New York Times

Modern psychology highlights the difficulties of attributing conscious or deliberate intent to the brain and personality of a developing child.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some studies have offered unusual glimpses into the symbiotic relationship between a mother and a developing child.

The New York Times - Health

A relatively small number of these gene abnormalities, if present in a developing child, incur great risk for the condition.

Stanford University

Oscar said alcohol abuse was widespread in the community and there was a lack of understanding about the risks it could pose to a developing child.

The Guardian

And studies suggest that REM makes its appearance very early in life — in the third trimester for humans, well before a developing child has experience or imagery to fill out a dream.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And that goes for a teacher of a typically developing child, a child with autism or a child with Williams syndrome.

BBC

Scores are expressed as a percentage of the maximum score, which are skills expected of a typically developing child at 5 years.

BMJ Open

Physical exam showed a normally developing child whose weight was 24.1 kg, height 113.5 cm, temperature 36°C, blood pressure 123/68 mmHg and pulse 109.

BMC Clinical Pathology

Some titles are, however, a little more cerebral: The Developing Child by Bee Boyd, The Language and Thought of the Child by Jean Piaget.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This work has been essential to provide a firm legal basis for developing child protection mechanisms, services and structures.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or environmental risks, use "a developing child" to emphasize their heightened vulnerability compared to adults. This framing highlights the need for extra caution and protection.

Common error

Avoid using "a developing child" when the context clearly refers to infants or very young children. More specific terms like "infant", "toddler", or "preschooler" provide greater clarity and precision in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a developing child" functions as a noun phrase, where "developing" acts as an adjective modifying "child". It specifies a child who is in the process of growing and maturing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a developing child" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that emphasizes the ongoing growth and maturation process in children. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly relevant when discussing health risks, educational strategies, and environmental factors affecting children. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, making it appropriate for both news articles and academic papers. When using this phrase, consider whether more specific terms like "infant" or "toddler" might provide greater clarity, and remember that highlighting vulnerability is key in many usage contexts. While common, ensure the surrounding context justifies the emphasis on the developmental stage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing child

Focuses on the continuous process of growth, a simpler and more direct alternative.

a maturing child

Emphasizes the process of becoming more mature, both physically and emotionally.

a child in development

Highlights the state of being in the process of development, slightly more formal.

an evolving child

Implies a more complex and gradual process of change and adaptation.

a child who is developing

Adds a relative clause, making the phrase more explicit and descriptive.

a child undergoing development

Emphasizes the active process of development that the child is experiencing.

a formative child

Highlights the importance of this stage in shaping the child's future.

a child in progress

Uses a more metaphorical expression, likening the child to a work in progress.

a child on the rise

Implies that the child is progressing well and showing potential.

a burgeoning child

Suggests rapid growth and flourishing, a more poetic and less common alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "a developing child" in a sentence?

You can use "a developing child" to refer to a child in the process of growth and maturation, for example: "The study focused on the cognitive development of "a developing child"."

What are some alternatives to "a developing child"?

You can use alternatives like "a growing child", "a maturing child", or "a child in development" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a developing child" or "a developed child"?

"A developing child" refers to a child who is still growing and maturing. "A developed child" suggests that the child's development is complete, which is rarely the case, especially in discussions about cognitive or emotional growth.

When is it best to use the phrase "a developing child" instead of just "child"?

Use "a developing child" when you want to emphasize the ongoing process of growth and change. It's particularly useful when discussing factors that can influence or impact this development, such as nutrition, environment, or education.