as they age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'as they age' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the growing process of a person or animal over time. For example: "Young children often learn new skills quickly, but as they age, they become wiser and more patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As they age, they mellow.

The New York Times - Food

As they age, their desires change.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They become more creative as they age.

The New York Times

Most men experience bouts of sleeplessness as they age.

Harvard University

people maintain their mobility and safeguard independence as they age.

Harvard University

But that doesn't mean they will stagnate as they age.

MIT Technology Review

As they age, they breakdown and need maintenance more often.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several factors cause faces to deflate as they age.

The New York Times

Xu said the elderly often become angrier as they age.

The Washington Post

In Lowell's planetology, worlds dry out as they age.

Nature

Many people gain weight as they age, too.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes associated with aging, be specific. Instead of just saying something changes "as they age", specify how it changes (e.g., "As they age, their skin loses elasticity").

Common error

Avoid using "as they age" as a blanket statement to explain all declines or changes. Not all effects are solely due to age; consider other factors like lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they age" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when a particular event or change occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they age" is a very common adverbial clause used to describe changes that occur over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "as they age", it is important to be specific about the changes you are describing and to avoid overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "as they get older" or "with advancing years" depending on the context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the nuances of changes that occur over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they get older

More direct and simple alternative, replacing "age" with "get older".

as they progress in age

A more formal and somewhat redundant alternative.

as they mature

Focuses on development and becoming fully grown.

with advancing years

Focuses on the progression of time rather than the direct act of aging.

later in life

Highlights a specific period in their lifespan.

in their later years

Similar to "later in life" but puts emphasis on a longer period.

in their old age

Specifically refers to the final stage of life.

as time passes

Emphasizes the passage of time and its effects.

with the passage of time

A more formal way to express the effect of time's progression.

over time

General expression of change happening during time passing

FAQs

How can I use "as they age" in a sentence?

You can use "as they age" to describe changes or developments that occur over time, for example, "As they age, people may experience a decline in bone density."

What are some alternatives to "as they age"?

Some alternatives include "as they get older", "with advancing years", or "later in life", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "as they age" or "when they age"?

"As they age" implies a gradual process of change over time, while "when they age" suggests a point in time. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

Can "as they age" be used for inanimate objects?

Yes, "as they age" can describe how inanimate objects change over time. For example, "Pipelines will break, especially as they age."