at a young

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a young" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific age or stage in life, often in the context of experiences or achievements that occur early in life. Example: "She started playing the piano at a young age, showcasing her talent early on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Probably at a young stage.

The New York Times

Especially at a young age".

The New York Times - Sports

He winked at a young fan.

The New York Times - Sports

The progression started at a young age.

Independent

That swagger started at a young age.

The New York Times - Sports

"It started at a young age, clearly".

The New York Times - Style

I look up at a young boy.

The New Yorker

Signs of intelligence at a young age.

The Guardian - Film

Getting children started at a young age is admirable.

The Economist

Mr. Selman was creative at a young age.

The New York Times

He has won 14 caps at a young age.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs than 'be' to showcase how the subject was impacted by events that transpired "at a young age".

Common error

Avoid using "at a young" when you want to emphasize the potential or promise someone shows. Instead, use phrases like "with youthful potential" or "early promise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a young" typically functions as a prepositional modifier, adding detail about when an action or state occurred. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights the time frame in which an event took place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a young" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurred or began early in life. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across different contexts, including news, scientific publications, and wikis. It serves to highlight the age at which an action or experience took place, often emphasizing its significance. While alternatives like "early in life" and "from an early age" offer similar meanings, the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Use "at a young" to clearly specify the timing and impact of events in someone's early years.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from an early age

Highlights the starting point as being early on.

early in life

Focuses on the initial stages of existence or development.

in one's early years

Similar to 'early in life' but can imply a slightly extended period.

in one's youth

Emphasizes the period of youth as the time when something occurred.

since childhood

Highlights a continuous action or state that started in childhood.

in childhood

Specifically refers to the period of being a child.

as a child

Simple and direct reference to childhood.

when young

More concise way to express the idea of youth.

during formative years

Emphasizes the impact of those years on development.

in adolescence

Refers specifically to the teenage years.

FAQs

How can I use "at a young" in a sentence?

Use "at a young" to describe when someone begins an activity or experiences something early in their life. For example, "She started ballet "at a young age"."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a young"?

Instead of "at a young", you can use alternatives such as "early in life", "from an early age", or "in childhood" depending on the specific context.

Is it more correct to say "at a young age" or "at an early age"?

Both ""at a young age"" and "at an early age" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What is the difference between "at a young age" and "during formative years"?

"At a young age" generally refers to the simple fact of youth, while "during "formative years"" emphasizes the impact that specific period has on the person's development.