a young child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a young child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a child who is in the early stages of development, typically from infancy to early childhood. Example: "The park is a great place for a young child to explore and play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You and your wife, Melania, have a young child.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or a young child.

Yale University

"And I had a young child.

The New York Times - Arts

You have a young child.

Harvard University

He's got a young child.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A young child, like 2 years old.

The New York Times

To a young child, everyone is infallible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pelletier began skating as a young child.

Britannica

In the book, a young child drowns.

The New York Times - Arts

You lived in Ethiopia as a young child.

Princeton University

appears to be a letter written by a young child.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for diverse audiences, "a young child" is preferable to jargon like "dependent" or clinical terms to ensure clarity and accessibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a young child" when a more specific term like "infant" or "toddler" would provide clearer and more accurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a young child" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual in their early years of life. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a young child" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase to refer to children in their early years. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most commonly in news and media, academic writing, and general contexts. While "a young child" is versatile, it's important to consider more specific terms like "infant" or "toddler" for enhanced clarity. Remembering these nuances will strengthen your writing and better target your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small child

Emphasizes the child's size or age in relative terms.

a little kid

Uses a more informal term, "kid", instead of "child".

a kid

A more casual term for child.

a toddler

Refers specifically to a child who is learning to walk.

a youngster

A more general and slightly old-fashioned term for a young person.

an infant

Specifies a very young child, typically in the first year of life.

a preteen

Implies the child is approaching adolescence.

a minor

Highlights the child's legal status as someone under the age of majority.

a youth

Refers to a young person, typically older than a "young child".

a juvenile

Often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a young person.

FAQs

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

You can use "a young child" to refer to a person in their early years. For example, "Reading aloud is beneficial for "a young child"'s development."

What are some alternatives to "a young child"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a small child", "a toddler", or "a little kid".

Is it correct to say "a young child" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a young child" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Other phrases can be used, but "a young child" is a clear and common way to refer to someone in their early years.

What's the difference between "a young child" and "an infant"?

"An infant" specifically refers to a baby in its first year of life, while "a young child" is a broader term that can include toddlers and children up to around age 5 or 6.