aged

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "aged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote either a person's age or the process of aging (when something gets older over time). Example sentence: The aged wine tasted smooth and mellow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For patients with concession cards and children aged under 16 the fee will apply for only the first 10 services in each year.

The Guardian

Public pensions and medical care for the aged have become fixed, integral parts of American life.

The Economist

Where an individual whose image is featured in a Competition entry is aged less than 18 years the entrant confirms that the parent or guardian of that individual has given the relevant consent.

The Guardian

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

Mr David Wilkie, aged 35, was killed when a concrete block and a four foot long concrete post were dropped on his car from a bridge 20 feet above the A465 Heads of the Valleys road near Merthyr Tydfil.

The Guardian

Lehmann, who died aged 104 in 1993, studied earthquakes to find that the Earth had both an inner and outer core, a revelation which redefined how the planet was studied.

The Guardian - Tech

Whisky was first casked here in 2013 meaning that, due to the law that whisky must be aged for at least two years, Redlands is a distillery that has opened itself up to the public without offering any of the actual stuff it makes.

The Guardian - Travel

Family: Wife Samantha, businesswoman, and children Florence (5), Elwen (9), Nancy (11), Ivan (died in 2009, aged 6).

The Guardian

My brother John was a widower when he died in 1987 aged 60.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

St George's Market in the city centre showcases the quality artisan produce – such as Hannan's beef dry-aged in the world's largest Himalayan salt chamber – that's been inspiring chefs such as Ox's Stephen Toman, who has been exciting British and Irish critics with dishes such as Skeaghanore duck, parsley root, chestnut, coffee and chicory, built on local provenance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first is that while the few score of Tea Party supporters are all white and mostly middle aged, the hundreds of supporters of the president's healthcare reforms represent a much greater diversity of ethnicities and ages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aged" to describe objects or substances that improve with time, such as "aged cheese" or "aged whiskey". This implies a positive transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "aged" as the sole identifier for individuals, especially in formal contexts. Instead of "the aged", specify "older adults" or "senior citizens" for respectful and clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The word "aged" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate their age or the process of aging. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and widely applicable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Tech

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aged" is a versatile adjective used to describe the age of something, often implying maturity or improvement over time. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in diverse contexts, from news articles to lifestyle publications. While generally neutral, it can also carry a formal tone in certain settings, with a high level of usability. When writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and use "aged" appropriately, and be aware of other options like "elderly" or "mature" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

older

A simple comparative term indicating a greater age relative to something else.

elderly

Focuses specifically on old age, implying frailty or seniority.

mature

Emphasizes having reached full development or ripeness, applicable both literally and figuratively.

senior

Indicates a higher status or rank due to age or experience.

of age

Specifies having reached a legally or socially defined age of adulthood or responsibility.

in years

Describes the length of existence. Is more formal and descriptive.

advanced in age

Highlights the later stages of life, often implying wisdom or experience.

long-lived

Focuses on the duration of life, emphasizing longevity.

seasoned

Implies experience and expertise gained over time, often in a particular field.

vintage

Suggests high quality or value due to age, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How is "aged" used as an adjective?

The term "aged" functions as an adjective to describe something that has existed or been kept for a long time, often implying maturity, experience, or improvement with time. For example, "aged wine" or "aged cheese" indicates a maturation process that enhances quality.

What's the difference between "aged" and "elderly"?

"Aged" is a general term for something old, while "elderly" specifically refers to people who are old or in their later years. While you could say "aged wine", it would be more appropriate to refer to "elderly people".

Can "aged" be used to describe something negative?

While "aged" often implies positive qualities like maturity or refinement, it can also be neutral or slightly negative depending on the context. For instance, saying a building is "aged and dilapidated" suggests it's old and in disrepair.

Which is more formal: "aged" or "old"?

"Aged" is generally more formal than "old". "Old" is a common, everyday term, while "aged" suggests a more refined or historical context. For example, referring to "old books" is fine, but describing them as "aged manuscripts" adds a layer of formality.