age

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "age" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun, verb, or adjective. For example: My age is 36.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think the age of the universe has zero to do with how our economy is going to grow.

The New York Times

"While all great things mature with age, the energy may not be in the bottle to the extent that it is needed".

The Guardian

Eighty per cent of the GCSE attainment gap is present by age seven.

The Guardian

The steps included increasing the broader retirement age to 65 and cutting public salaries to bring the deficit down from the current 13.6 percent of G.D.P. to less than 3 percent in 2014.

The New York Times

By the time the war started, though, he was a country landowner, aged 48: despite his age, he was keen to be involved.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is also, of course, a universal rather than a means-tested benefit in an age when universal benefits are increasingly questioned.

The Guardian - Opinion

The answer is not for "formal" education to begin earlier, but the evidence in favour of state funding for play-based, nursery settings from the age of two – followed by a gentle transition into school life – is clear.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the age of 20, Schiele was being recognised as the heir to Klimt and indeed Klimt's early influence on Schiele's graphic style is very obvious and understandable.

The Guardian - Arts

What Two Days, One Night does so beautifully is distil the economic dilemma of our age down to a human scale.

The Guardian - Film

Louizou set up the gallery at the age of 22 without any financial assistance.

The Guardian

A negative balance shows an unhealthy business and I could not support a gallery just for a hobby at the age of 26".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events, use "age" to denote a specific period with distinct characteristics. For example, "the age of exploration".

Common error

Be clear whether you are referring to a person's age, a historical age, or the aging process. Use specific adjectives or context to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "age" is as a noun, referring to the duration of life, a stage of development, or a historical period. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "age" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun, denoting the duration of life, a stage of development, or a historical period. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the type of "age" you're referring to—personal, historical, or developmental. Related phrases like "duration of life" or "historical period" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Overall, understanding the multifaceted nature of "age" is key to using it effectively in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duration of life

Focuses specifically on the length of time someone or something has lived.

stage of life

Emphasizes a particular period within the lifespan.

historical period

Highlights a specific era in history.

generation

Refers to a group of people born and living during the same time.

era

Implies a significant period characterized by specific features or events.

time period

A more general term for any specific duration in time.

lifespan

Refers to the entire period of existence.

developmental stage

Emphasizes a specific point in growth or maturity.

point in time

Indicates a precise moment or period.

time frame

Defines a specific interval of time.

FAQs

How do I use "age" in a sentence?

You can use "age" as a noun to refer to the duration of life, a stage of life, or a historical period. For example, "What is your "age"?", "the bronze "age"", or "coming of "age"".

What's the difference between "age" and "era"?

"Age" can refer to the duration of someone's life or a broad historical period, while "era" typically refers to a distinct period characterized by specific features or events.

What can I say instead of "age" when referring to someone's maturity?

You can use terms like "maturity", "developmental stage", or "stage of life" depending on the specific context.

How is "age" used in historical contexts?

In historical contexts, "age" denotes a period with specific characteristics, such as "the stone "age"" or "the industrial "age"". These terms define specific periods and cultural or technological developments.