close in age

USAGE SUMMARY

'close in age' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe two people, animals, or objects that have a relatively similar age. For example, "The sisters were close in age, with only four years separating them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The two are close in age.

The New York Times - Arts

For the most part, people marry someone close in age.

The Washington Post

With children so close in age, routine must rule.

The Washington Post

All are close in age and share a political worldview.

The Guardian

Teresa and I were close in age; we bonded easily.

The New Yorker

They are close in age but different in disposition.

The New York Times

Applebaum and Shore, while close in age, are on opposite sides of a generational razor's edge.

Stanford University

Hernandez's on-field relationship with Posada is like that of brothers close in age.

The New York Times - Sports

I was quite young then, we were quite close in age.

The Guardian

The friend also has children, close in age to your own.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Romeo and Juliet" laws in several American states exempt close-in-age couplings from prosecution.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing ages, be specific if the context requires it. Saying "close in age" is useful for general comparison, but specify the exact age difference if precision matters.

Common error

Avoid using "close in age" when the age difference is significant (e.g., 15+ years). In such cases, phrases like "different generations" or "considerably older/younger" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close in age" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that two or more subjects share a similar age. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close in age" is a versatile and commonly used adjectival phrase that describes a similarity in age between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and informal discussions. While semantically similar alternatives exist, like ""around the same age"" or ""nearly the same age"", the choice depends on the desired level of precision and formality. When employing this phrase, ensure that the age difference is indeed relatively small to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around the same age

Indicates an approximate age similarity.

nearly the same age

Emphasizes the near equivalence of ages.

not far apart in age

Highlights the small difference in age.

similar age range

Focuses on the span of age rather than direct proximity.

of a comparable age

Highlights that the ages can be compared and found similar.

within a few years of each other

More specific, indicating a quantifiable age gap.

age-mates

A concise, less common term for individuals of similar age.

in the same generation

Broader term, referring to a shared generational cohort rather than specific age proximity.

of similar vintage

Vintage refers to products, not people, adding more sophisticated tone and focusing on the time of manufacture.

in their early/mid/late twenties

Specifies a particular age bracket that both subjects belong to.

FAQs

How can I use "close in age" in a sentence?

You can use "close in age" to describe people, animals, or even objects that are similar in age. For example, "The siblings were "around the same age", which made them very competitive."

What's the difference between "close in age" and "similar in age"?

"Close in age" implies a smaller age difference than "similar in age". While both suggest the ages are not vastly different, "close in age" suggests they are nearly the same, you can use "nearly the same age" instead.

Is it appropriate to use "close in age" in formal writing?

Yes, "close in age" is appropriate in formal writing. It is a neutral and clear way to describe age proximity. Consider alternatives such as "of a comparable age" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "close in age" when describing objects?

When describing objects, you might use phrases like "of similar vintage" or "from the same era" to indicate they were produced around the same time. "Close in age" is more commonly used for living beings.