a very ageing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very ageing" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would typically be "a very aged" or "a very aging," depending on the intended meaning. Example: "The very aged tree in the park has stood for over a century."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But sitting down in my seat in the upper circle as the lights dimmed, I had a very ageing experience: I realised I had forgotten my glasses.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But one of my favorite items in this collection is a poem in the hand of a very aged Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Huffington Post

"I found out at a very old age, more than 50 years of age," Niemann added.

Vice

team at a very young age.

The New Yorker

At a very young age.

The Washington Post

We live in a very shallow age.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's a very internet-age artist.

The Guardian - Music

I became interested in science at a very young age.

Harvard University

The author began reading at a very young age.

The New Yorker

Manning was immersed in football from a very young age.

Britannica

You trained in ballet from a very early age.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something related to age, prioritize using "aged" or "aging" over "ageing" for greater clarity and adherence to standard English.

Common error

Many writers incorrectly use "ageing" in formal contexts, where "aged" (as an adjective) or "aging" (as a present participle adjective) is preferred. Always double-check the intended meaning to select the appropriate form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very ageing" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, attempting to modify a noun by indicating a significant degree of aging. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this construction is not grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very ageing" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Ludwig AI suggests that more appropriate alternatives include "a very aged" or "a very aging", depending on the intended meaning. Although it appears in some news media, its usage is rare. It's crucial to consider context and opt for grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very aged

Replaces "ageing" with "aged", a more grammatically correct adjective to describe something old.

a very aging

Uses "aging" as a present participle adjective, implying a process of becoming old.

a considerably old

Emphasizes the age with "considerably", making it about the degree of being old.

a significantly aged

Similar to "considerably old", but uses "significantly" to highlight the extent of aging.

a markedly aged

Replaces "very" with "markedly" to indicate that the age is noticeable.

a highly aged

Uses "highly" to intensify the age, suggesting something has aged to a great extent.

a quite elderly

Replaces the entire phrase with "quite elderly" to denote old age in a polite manner.

a really old

Uses "really" as an informal intensifier for "old", making it more conversational.

a seriously old

Similar to "really old", but "seriously" adds a tone of gravity or surprise.

a particularly old

Highlights that the age is noteworthy or exceptional compared to others.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use the word "ageing"?

While "ageing" is a valid spelling in British English, it's typically used as a verb. For describing something that is old or has aged, "aged" is generally preferred. For the process of becoming old, "aging" is preferred.

What can I say instead of "a very ageing"?

You can use alternatives like "a very aged" or "a very aging" depending on the context. "a very old" is also a suitable alternative.

Is "a very ageing" grammatically correct?

According to standard English grammar, "a very ageing" is not considered correct. The more accepted forms are "a very aged" or "a very aging."

How does the context affect the choice between "aged" and "aging"?

"Aged" typically describes the state of being old (e.g., "an aged tree"), whereas "aging" describes the process of becoming old (e.g., "the aging process"). Therefore, choose based on whether you are describing a state or a process.