become elderly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become elderly" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to reach an old age or to grow old. Example: As they become elderly, many people start to experience health issues and require assistance with daily tasks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

And in Mr. Tanner's world, blacks are likely to die before they become elderly.

The New York Times

"Of course, that also ties into the racial aspect because our society is such that minorities don't become elderly the way white people do.

The New York Times

Other people think of Brooklyn Heights as where you become elderly, but I think of it as where you try pot for the first time.

The New York Times - Magazine

It had become "elderly and haggard", hostage to a uniform economic model that undermined democracy while the centrality of human rights was becoming confused with and supplanted by individualistic narcissism.

The Guardian

Hilary Cooper Cambridge So the pope, the head of the Roman Catholic church, believes the EU has become "elderly and haggard" and gives "a general impression of weariness and ageing".

The Guardian

The Oxford economist recommended a cap of £35,000 on the amount individuals are expected to pay for care when they become elderly and infirm before the state steps in.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Later, as they became elderly, those levels fell.

The Economist

Greta began to guess that he was one of those people who spent their youth involved with an older generation, until they themselves became elderly by association — and didn't mind it in the least or try to escape.

The New Yorker

Instead, in most states when a spouse becomes elderly or disabled and needs long-term care, and if the couple has not previously bought expensive long-term care insurance, the couple's only options are to pay out of pocket for long-term care or to "spend down" their family assets to qualify for Medicaid.

Huffington Post

Few would argue that these differences do not exist although the definition of when a patient becomes "elderly" is problematical.

Clinical interventions in aging

If caregiving may cause health problems among caregivers this might be an increasing problem in society when a larger proportion of the population becomes elderly and in need of formal as well as informal care.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become elderly" when you want to emphasize the process of aging rather than simply stating that someone is old. This phrase can add nuance to discussions about demographics, healthcare, and social policies related to aging populations.

Common error

Avoid using "become elderly" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "grow old" or "age" are often more appropriate and sound less awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become elderly" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of transition. It signifies the action of aging and reaching the state of being considered old. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and can be found in various reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become elderly" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the process of aging. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for use in written English and implies a transition into old age. While it can be found in diverse contexts, it is most commonly used in "News & Media" and "Science", suggesting a formal register. While "become elderly" is a valid option, simpler alternatives such as "grow old" or "age" are often more appropriate for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow old

This is a more general and common way to describe the aging process.

age

This is a more concise and straightforward way to refer to the process of getting older.

enter old age

This suggests a transition into the stage of life considered old age.

advance in years

This phrase is a more formal and somewhat literary way of saying "get older".

get on in years

Similar to 'advance in years', this is a more idiomatic and less formal way to describe aging.

reach old age

Similar to "enter old age", this emphasizes the attainment of old age.

move into seniority

This implies a shift towards a more respected or experienced position due to age.

experience senescence

This is a scientific or biological term referring to the process of aging and decline.

be past one's prime

This phrase implies that someone is no longer at their peak, often due to age.

decline with age

This focuses on the negative aspects of aging, such as physical or mental decline.

FAQs

What does "become elderly" mean?

The phrase "become elderly" means to transition into old age or to reach a state of being considered old. It describes the process of aging and growing older.

Is it better to say "become elderly" or "grow old"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "grow old" is generally more common and versatile. "Become elderly" is more formal and specific, often used in discussions about demographics or healthcare.

How can I use "become elderly" in a sentence?

You can use "become elderly" to describe the changes and challenges people face as they age. For example: "As people "become elderly", they may require more medical attention."

What are some alternative ways to say "become elderly"?

Alternatives include "age", "get old", "enter old age", or "advance in years". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.