be of age

USAGE SUMMARY

"be of age" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that someone is legally old enough to do something. For example, "In order to vote in this election, you must be of age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

You will be of age then.

The New Yorker

You had to be of age.

The New York Times

A man is said to be of age "by Michaelmas 1330".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Declaring himself to be of age in 1389, Richard announced that he was taking over the government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My daughter is old enough to be eligible to fight in Iraq or Afghanistan; my son will be of age in two years.

The New York Times

She may now be "of age", but it's worth remembering that Hutchence, for all her celebrity lineage, has not herself chosen a career in public life.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I have three children who are of age," he said.

The New York Times

I'm of age to have children.

Vice

You must be of every age.

The New Yorker

Be of minimum age.

WikiHow

Many were of retirement age.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be of age" when referring to a specific legal or socially recognized age for certain rights or responsibilities. It adds a formal tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be of age" interchangeably with "come of age". "Come of age" typically refers to a narrative arc of growing up or maturing, while "be of age" often describes a legal or required age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of age" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating a state of having reached a specific age. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase signifies legal or socially recognized maturity for specific rights or responsibilities. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts such as voting or military service.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be of age" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote that someone has reached a specific, usually legally defined, age. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates eligibility for certain rights and responsibilities, often carrying a formal tone. While "be of age" is often associated with legal or official contexts, it's crucial not to confuse it with "come of age", which describes a personal growth narrative. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. Understanding the nuances of "be of age" ensures clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach the legal age

Specifically refers to reaching the age defined by law for certain activities.

meet the age requirement

Highlights the fulfillment of a specific age-related condition.

come of age

Often implies a transition to maturity or a significant developmental stage.

be old enough

A simpler and more direct way to express the idea of meeting a minimum age requirement.

reach adulthood

Focuses on the process of becoming an adult, rather than a specific age.

attain majority

Emphasizes the legal attainment of full rights and responsibilities.

become an adult

A more general term for transitioning into adulthood.

be of legal drinking age

Refers to the specific age for legally consuming alcohol, implies a narrower context.

be of sound mind and age

Adds the condition of mental competence alongside age, implying legal capacity.

be past puberty

Focuses on biological maturity rather than legal or social definitions of age.

FAQs

How is "be of age" used in a sentence?

The phrase "be of age" typically indicates that someone has reached the legally defined age for specific rights or responsibilities. For example, "You must "reach the legal age" to vote in this election".

What's the difference between "be of age" and "coming of age"?

"Be of age" refers to the attainment of a specific legal age. In contrast, "coming of age" usually describes a period of personal growth and maturation.

What can I say instead of "be of age"?

You can use alternatives like "reach adulthood", "attain majority", or "be old enough" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is of age" instead of "be of age"?

The correct usage depends on the subject. You would say "He is of age" when referring to a specific person, but "be of age" is the general phrase.