at that age when

USAGE SUMMARY

"at that age when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific age or stage in life when a certain event or action takes place. It can be used to indicate a younger or older age, depending on the context. Example: "At that age when she was just starting high school, Sarah had no idea that she would one day become a successful entrepreneur." In this sentence, "at that age when" indicates a specific point in Sarah's life, when she was in high school, and foreshadows her future success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I'm at that age when you wake up at 4am either thirsty or needing a pee.

The Times

"He is at that age when he wants to imitate," Claudette Gilmore said.

The New York Times

"He's not at that age when one should be worried about such things".

The New York Times

He got to me at that age when you can really affect people.

The New York Times - Arts

"If we find someone like Gnabry at that age when nobody knows them, then maybe.

Independent

Looking back I realise that taking it up was brave at that age, when I had no background in theatre.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Just the other day, in fact, I wondered aloud if a friend who died at age 21 will be that age when we meet in heaven.

Huffington Post

This means that at the age when most children are finishing year 4 and entering year 5 at primary school, they are also at the age when their actions become accountable by law.

The Guardian - Opinion

In my case, I quit at 23, right at the age when research suggests that the parts of the brain that maximize self-control finally become mature.

The Guardian - Opinion

She taught me from the ages of 16 to 18, at that twilight age when other adults don't quite know how to treat you.

The Guardian - Money

The HPV vaccines are most effective if given at that early age, when they produce the best immune response and can work before a girl becomes sexually active.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at that age when" to provide context about a specific time in someone's life, making sure the subsequent clause clearly explains the significance of that age. This helps create a vivid and relatable image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid mixing past and present tenses inconsistently within the sentence. Ensure the verb tense in the clause following "at that age when" aligns with the overall timeline being described. For instance, instead of "At that age when he starts school, he was feeling nervous," use "At that age when he started school, he was feeling nervous."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at that age when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a relative clause. It modifies the main clause by specifying a particular time frame, adding descriptive detail about the subject's life stage, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at that age when" is a versatile phrase used to specify a particular period or stage in someone's life. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a relative clause, adding descriptive detail and context to narratives. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "during those years when" or "at the time that". When using this phrase, ensure consistency in verb tense and provide a clear connection between the age and the event being described to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during those years when

Emphasizes a period of time rather than a specific age.

in that era when

Focuses on a broader historical or cultural period.

at the time that

Highlights a specific moment or point in time.

in those days when

Refers to a past period, often with a nostalgic connotation.

during that phase of life when

Specifically mentions a stage of life and the related period.

at the stage of life where

Highlights a stage in one's development or experience.

in one's youth when

Specifically references the younger years of a person's life.

in one's childhood when

Specifically refers to the stage of childhood.

at the point in life that

Emphasizes a specific moment of one's life.

during the period that

Suggests a span of time within a life stage.

FAQs

How can I use "at that age when" in a sentence?

Use "at that age when" to specify a time in someone's life when something significant happens. For instance, "At that age when children start losing their baby teeth, they often believe in the tooth fairy."

What are some alternatives to "at that age when"?

Consider using alternatives like "during those years when", "in that era when", or "at the time that" to vary your phrasing while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it more correct to say "at that age when" or "at the age that"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "at that age when" often provides a smoother, more natural flow, especially when followed by a descriptive clause. "At the age that" is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound slightly more formal or rigid.

What's the difference between "at that age when" and "at that stage when"?

"At that age when" refers specifically to a numerical age, while "at that stage when" refers to a developmental period or phase of life. For example, "At that age when she turned 16, she got her driver's license," versus "At that stage when she became a teenager, she started asserting her independence."