a juvenile

USAGE SUMMARY

"a juvenile" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a young person who is not yet considered an adult by law. Example: The court sentenced the perpetrator to a juvenile detention center for their involvement in the crime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Illustration of a juvenile human hip joint.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He spent time in a juvenile jail.

The New York Times

When I was still a juvenile.

The New Yorker

Peretz grinned like a juvenile delinquent.

The New York Times

What, he's a juvenile delinquent?

The Guardian

"But punish him as a juvenile.

The New York Times

Mr. Padilla was prosecuted as a juvenile.

The New York Times

The sixth teenager was a juvenile.

The New York Times

She was also charged as a juvenile.

The New York Times

Most recently, it was a juvenile prison.

The New York Times

He's 5, and he's a juvenile delinquent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to legal contexts, use "a juvenile" to specifically denote a person under the age of legal adulthood. In other contexts, consider alternatives like "young person" or "adolescent" if the legal connotation is not intended.

Common error

Avoid using "a juvenile" when simply referring to someone young in a non-legal context. Using the term too broadly can sound overly formal or clinical. Opt for terms like "young person" or "teenager" when the legal status is not relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a juvenile" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. It identifies a young person, particularly in legal or formal contexts, referring to their status as not yet being a legal adult.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a juvenile" is a grammatically sound phrase primarily used to denote a young person under the age of legal adulthood, particularly within legal or formal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common across various sources, especially in news and media. When writing, ensure that the legal connotation is relevant; otherwise, consider alternatives like "young person" or "teenager" for broader applicability. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the term in casual conversations, and always consider the appropriate register based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor

Emphasizes the legal status of being under the age of majority.

an underage individual

Highlights the person's status of being below the required age for certain activities.

a youth

A more general term referring to young people.

a young person

Focuses on the age aspect without necessarily implying legal status.

a youngster

Informal term for a child or young person.

an adolescent

Specifically denotes someone in their teenage years.

a teenage individual

Specifically denotes someone in their teenage years.

a young offender

Specifically refers to a young person who has committed a crime.

an immature person

Focuses on the lack of maturity rather than age.

a child

Refers to a young person, typically before adolescence.

FAQs

How is "a juvenile" defined legally?

Legally, "a juvenile" refers to an individual who is under the age of majority, typically 18 years old, but this can vary by jurisdiction. They are subject to "juvenile law".

What's the difference between "a juvenile" and "a minor"?

While both terms refer to someone under the age of legal adulthood, "a juvenile" is often used in the context of the justice system, while "a minor" is a more general term. Using "a young person" could be more appropriate in some situation.

When should I use "a juvenile" instead of "a child" or "teenager"?

Use "a juvenile" when the legal status of the young person is relevant, particularly in discussions about crime, court proceedings, or legal rights. Otherwise, "a child" or "a teenager" may be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "a juvenile" in general conversation?

In less formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as ""a young person"", "an adolescent", or "a youth" to refer to someone who is not yet an adult.