as young as

USAGE SUMMARY

"as young as" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to compare two different ages and is often used with the word "old." Example: She looks as young as her grandmother did at that age.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Competitors could be as young as 7.

The New York Times - Sports

Some will be as young as 30.

The New York Times

Some were as young as 12.

Independent

Teenagers as young as 16 were admitted.

The New York Times

Some are as young as 14.

The Guardian

Students as young as 8 are accepted.

The New York Times

Some have been as young as 12.

The New York Times

Victims include children as young as 14".

The Guardian

We hear as young as 12".

The New York Times

PP: We see people as young as 13 and — Pimp: As young as 13.

The New Yorker

"It's imperative to keep the cast as young as possible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as young as" to emphasize the surprisingly young age of someone or something, often in contrast to expectations or typical norms. This can add impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as young as" when a direct comparison isn't intended. It's meant to highlight a lower age limit, not just describe youth in general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as young as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, specifying a lower limit of age. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's often used to emphasize that something is happening even at a very young age, exceeding expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as young as" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to emphasize the surprisingly young age at which something occurs. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is correctly used to specify a lower age limit, often creating a sense of surprise. It appears most commonly in news and media, maintaining a neutral register appropriate for diverse communication scenarios. Remember to use this phrase to highlight unexpected youthfulness, and avoid it in contexts where a specific age comparison isn't the focus. By incorporating these insights, you can effectively leverage "as young as" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a tender age

Highlights the delicate or sensitive nature of youth.

at such a tender age

Emphasizes the vulnerability or innocence associated with being young.

in their early years

Focuses on the initial phase of someone's life.

at an early stage of life

Highlights the beginning phase of existence, stressing potential and development.

not yet an adult

Explicitly states the lack of adult status, emphasizing immaturity.

barely of age

Emphasizes the narrow margin of being considered an adult.

in one's youth

Refers to a general period of being young, often associated with energy and inexperience.

newly of age

Highlights the recent attainment of legal adulthood.

in the springtime of life

Uses a metaphor to describe youth as a time of new beginnings and vitality.

still wet behind the ears

An idiomatic expression indicating inexperience and naivete due to youth.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as young as" to emphasize surprise?

To convey surprise, try "surprisingly young", "incredibly young", or "unbelievably young" to highlight the unexpected youthfulness.

What's a more formal alternative to "as young as"?

In formal contexts, consider using "at an early age" or "at a tender age" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

How do I use "as young as" in a sentence?

Use "as young as" to specify a minimum age, such as "Children "children as young as five" can understand basic instructions." It highlights that even very young individuals meet a certain condition.

Is it correct to say "as younger as" instead of "as young as"?

No, "as younger as" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "as young as", which is used to indicate a lower age limit or to express surprise at someone's youthfulness.