an adolescent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adolescent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a young person who is in the stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically between the ages of 10 and 19. Example: "The study focused on the mental health challenges faced by an adolescent in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ask an adolescent.

The New York Times

"You're still such an adolescent.

The New Yorker

It's an adolescent Mardi Gras.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe an adolescent?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As an adolescent.

The New York Times

One was an adolescent".

The Guardian - Books

Especially Wyeth when I was an adolescent.

The New York Times

"Mormonism is still an adolescent religion".

The New York Times

Because I was no longer an adolescent?

The New York Times - Books

Isn't that an adolescent philosophy?

The New York Times - Magazine

Laid out farther off, an adolescent girl.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the period between childhood and adulthood, use "an adolescent" to emphasize the developmental stage. For example, "Studying the cognitive development of "an adolescent" provides insights into learning processes."

Common error

Avoid using "an adolescent" when referring to all young people in general. The term specifically denotes someone in the transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. If you intend to address all young individuals, consider using terms like "young people" or "youth" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adolescent" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a person undergoing the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an adolescent" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to denote a person in the developmental stage between childhood and adulthood. According to Ludwig AI, it is a phrase used to refer to a young person during the transition period, often in contexts related to their psychological, social, or physical development. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, maintaining a generally neutral tone. While alternatives like "a teenager" or "a young person" exist, "an adolescent" often conveys a more formal and clinical connotation. It is important to use the term accurately, distinguishing it from broader age groups and focusing on its specific developmental implications. Remember to focus your writing and choose the right form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a teenager

Refers specifically to someone in their teens, often implying a similar stage of development as an adolescent.

a teenage individual

Another form of 'teenager', indicating youthfulness.

a young person

A broader term that includes adolescents, but also younger and slightly older individuals.

a youth

Similar to "young person" but can sometimes imply a focus on potential or future development.

a developing young adult

Highlights the transitionary aspect of adolescence towards adulthood.

a juvenile

Often used in legal contexts to refer to someone who is not yet an adult.

a minor

A legal term indicating someone who is under the age of majority.

a pubescent individual

Focuses specifically on the stage of puberty within adolescence.

a school-age child

Emphasizes the connection with formal education and the typical ages associated with schooling.

an underage person

Highlights the legal status of not being an adult.

FAQs

How can I use "an adolescent" in a sentence?

You can use "an adolescent" to refer to a person undergoing the transition from childhood to adulthood. For example: "The study focused on the challenges faced by "an adolescent" in modern society."

What can I say instead of "an adolescent"?

Alternatives to "an adolescent" include "a teenager", "a youth", or "a young person", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "an adolescent" or "a teenager"?

"An adolescent" is generally considered more formal and encompasses a broader age range (roughly 10-19 years), while "a teenager" specifically refers to someone in their teens (13-19 years). Choose the term that best fits the context and desired level of formality.

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

"A child" refers to someone in the earlier stages of development, typically before puberty, whereas "an adolescent" is further along in their development and experiencing physical and emotional changes associated with puberty and the transition to adulthood. An adolescent is not "a child" anymore.