a geriatric

USAGE SUMMARY

"a geriatric" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as a noun to refer to an elderly person, specifically one who is suffering from the effects of old age or a chronic illness. Example: The retirement home was filled with a diverse group of residents, ranging from young retirees to frail geriatrics in their nineties.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hire a geriatric care manager.

The New York Times - Health

A geriatric Red Bull can't work.

The Economist

For me, a geriatric patient, telehealth is a no-brainer.

The Guardian

Technically, anyone can call himself a geriatric care manager.

The New York Times

How do you become a geriatric patient?" he asked her.

The New Yorker

"I have a geriatric doctor, and she's wonderful".

The New York Times - Health

The judges were three beauty queens and a geriatric psychiatrist.

The New Yorker

The play becomes not so much a story of soured love as a geriatric Gaslight.

The Guardian

While a dreary "Hamlet" can plod like a geriatric tortoise, this one positively scampers.

The New York Times

She found Nancy Bortinger, a geriatric social worker for 33 years.

The New York Times

The result is a geriatric snoozefest that only the US government could love".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about older individuals, use the term "a geriatric" judiciously, as it can sometimes carry negative connotations. Consider using more neutral or respectful terms like "an elderly person" or "a senior citizen" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a geriatric" to describe all older people. This term is more accurately applied to elderly individuals specifically suffering from age-related health issues or frailty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a geriatric" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to identify or describe an elderly person, often within the context of healthcare or social services. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a geriatric" is a noun phrase used to describe an elderly person, particularly one with age-related health issues. While grammatically correct and quite common, it is important to consider the context and potential connotations when using this term, as noted by Ludwig. Alternatives such as "an elderly person" or "a senior citizen" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Ludwig's analysis highlights its prevalence in news and scientific sources, indicating a neutral to slightly clinical register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elderly person

Emphasizes age but is a more neutral term.

a senior citizen

Focuses on societal status as a respected older member.

an aged individual

Highlights the process of aging.

a frail person

Draws attention to physical weakness or vulnerability.

an older adult

A more general and respectful term for someone advanced in age.

a person in their twilight years

A more poetic way to refer to someone nearing the end of their life.

a golden-ager

Informal and sometimes humorous term for an elderly person.

an old-timer

Suggests experience and longevity.

a person of advanced years

A formal way to indicate someone is quite old.

a long-liver

Highlights the fact that someone has lived a long life.

FAQs

How can I use "a geriatric" in a sentence?

You can use "a geriatric" to refer to an elderly person, especially one receiving specialized care. For example: "The hospital has a dedicated ward for "a geriatric" patient with complex medical needs".

What are some alternatives to "a geriatric"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an elderly person", "a senior citizen", or "an older adult" to avoid potential negative connotations.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "a geriatric"?

No, the term "a geriatric" is not always appropriate. It's best used when specifically discussing elderly individuals with age-related health concerns. In other contexts, more neutral terms are preferable.

What is the difference between "a geriatric" and "an elderly person"?

While both terms refer to older individuals, "a geriatric" often implies a focus on the medical or care-related aspects of aging, while "an elderly person" is a more general and neutral term.