an early age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early age" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time in someone's life when they are young, often in the context of discussing experiences or developments that occur during childhood. Example: "She started playing the piano at an early age, which helped her develop her musical talent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need intervention at an early age.

The Guardian - Opinion

From an early age, she hugged strangers.

The New York Times

From an early age, Stroman visualized music.

The New Yorker

Georges began drawing at an early age.

The New York Times - Books

I was corrupted at an early age.

The New York Times - Science

Dworkin began writing at an early age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I liked music from an early age.

The New York Times

I loved words from an early age.

Independent

Schaffner was orphaned at an early age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ben Shalom Bernanke was brilliant at an early age.

Independent

Racing is encouraged at an early age.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an early age", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. For example, specify the age range if precision is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "an early age" when a more specific timeframe is relevant. For example, instead of saying "He showed talent at an early age", specify "He showed talent at the age of five".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early age" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or state began. It specifies the timing of an event in relation to someone's life, typically during childhood. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an early age" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something occurred or began during childhood or the initial stages of life. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage across a wide range of contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more specific timeframe would provide greater clarity. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, reflecting its broad applicability. Consider using alternatives like ""from a young age"" or "in one's childhood" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from a young age

Similar, but emphasizes the starting point of an activity or characteristic.

in one's childhood

Focuses specifically on the period of childhood, rather than just the early part of life.

since childhood

Emphasizes a continuous state or activity that began in childhood and continues to the present.

during youth

Highlights the period of being young, often associated with vigor and inexperience.

in the early stages of life

More formal and emphasizes the beginning of existence.

in formative years

Highlights the period of life when character and abilities are developed.

when someone was young

A more descriptive and less direct way of indicating youth.

at a tender age

Implies vulnerability and innocence associated with being very young.

in one's infancy

Refers to the very earliest stage of life, implying a starting point.

at the dawn of life

A more poetic and figurative expression referring to the beginning of life.

FAQs

What does "an early age" mean?

"An early age" generally refers to the time during childhood or the initial stages of life when significant development or experiences occur.

How can I use "an early age" in a sentence?

You can use "an early age" to describe when someone started an activity or developed a certain trait. For instance, "She started playing the piano at "from a young age"".

What are some alternatives to "an early age"?

Alternatives include "in one's childhood", "during youth", or ""from a young age"", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at an early age" or "from an early age"?

Both are correct, but "at an early age" often describes a specific point in time when something began, while "from an early age" suggests something continued or was consistent since childhood. They are interchangeable most of the times.