because of old age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "because of old age" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain a reason or cause related to aging, often in contexts discussing health, behavior, or changes in capability. Example: "The dog has become less active because of old age, preferring to rest more often."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Slew o'Gold, part of the first crop from the 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, was euthanized Sunday because of old age.

The New York Times

Of the 39,000 animals euthanized in New York City last year, about 72percentt were killed because of old age, injuries, temperament problems or other conditions.

The New York Times

"She passed away because of old age despite strenuous nursing," Sadame Kamakura, the grand steward of the imperial household, said at a news conference in Tokyo.

The New York Times

But if researchers can overcome the remaining hurdles, of which there are many, they could in theory create embryos for women who cannot make their own eggs because of old age, or after cancer treatment that damages fertility.

The Guardian

Wyntoun was a canon of St. Andrews, and, from about 1393 to his retirement because of old age in 1421, he served as prior of St. Serf's, Loch Leven (Kinross, Scotland).

Britannica

A14 Vichy Collaborator Freed Maurice Papon, the highest-ranking French civilian ever to be brought to justice for Nazi war crimes, was released from prison because of old age and poor health.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Later, he apparently changed his story.He changed it, it seems, not simply because of the confusion of old age, but because of pressure from those around him.

The Economist

Cardiac surgery patients might have a higher incidence of difficult laryngoscopy than the general population because of older age, dental problems, and obesity.

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

We classified language suggesting a less desirable or more desirable state because of older age.

British Medical Journal

Relapse may be more common in our cohort because of older age, compared with some other studies [ 11, 13].

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Other hospitalized patients are likely to be highly susceptible hosts because of older age and coexisting conditions.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider alternatives like "due to advanced age" or "as a result of aging" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "because of old age" as a catch-all explanation without providing specific details about the consequences or limitations resulting from the aging process. Be specific about what aspects of aging are relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "because of old age" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a causal adjunct. It provides the reason or cause for a particular situation, action, or condition. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically sound phrase used to explain a reason.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "because of old age" is a grammatically correct and commonly used causal phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to explain or justify a situation by attributing it to advanced age. While versatile, its register is generally neutral, with more formal contexts potentially benefiting from alternatives like "due to advanced age". The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure to be specific about the consequences of aging rather than overgeneralizing. Remember the context and purpose of your writing, choosing the most appropriate phrasing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due to advanced age

Replaces "because of" with "due to" and uses a more formal term, "advanced age".

as a result of aging

Substitutes "because of" with "as a result of" and uses the process noun "aging".

owing to their age

Uses "owing to" to indicate causation and simplifies "old age" to "age".

on account of their advanced years

A more elaborate and formal way of expressing the same concept, using "on account of" and "advanced years".

in view of their seniority

Replaces "old age" with "seniority", focusing on the aspect of being older or more experienced.

declining health associated with age

Focuses on the health aspect of aging rather than simply the age itself.

age-related decline

A more concise term expressing a decline or deterioration caused by age.

consequent to aging

Uses "consequent to" to denote that something is a direct result of getting older.

as people get older

A more general way to reference old age.

with advancing years

Highlights the progression of years as the causal factor.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "because of old age" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "due to advanced age" or "as a result of aging".

Is it appropriate to use "because of old age" in scientific writing?

While grammatically correct, in scientific writing, it's better to be specific about the age-related factors. For example, mention "age-related cognitive decline" or "decreased bone density associated with aging" instead.

What are some less common alternatives to "because of old age"?

Less common but still valid alternatives include "owing to their age" or "on account of their advanced years", which can add a touch of elegance to your writing.

When is it better to use "due to old age" instead of "because of old age"?

Both are generally interchangeable. However, "due to" is often preferred when the cause is clearly identifiable and directly linked, while "because of" can be used more broadly to indicate a contributing factor.