come of age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come of age" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of someone reaching maturity or adulthood. For example: After four years of hard work, she had finally come of age and was ready to start her own business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's finally come of age".

Independent

Neymar had come of age.

The New York Times - Sports

Patents had come of age.

World Patent Information

"Synthetic biology: applications come of age".

The New York Times

It must come of age.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chillwave has come of age.

The Guardian - Music

He had come of age".

The New York Times

It has come of age.

The Guardian

They've now come of age.

The Guardian - Books

Will CCS ever come of age?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The study of necrotrophic pathogens has come-of-age.

BMC Plant Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come of age" to describe not only individuals reaching adulthood but also the maturation or full development of technologies, ideas, or movements. For example: "Renewable energy has come of age."

Common error

Avoid using "come of age" solely for literal age. It's versatile, extending beyond people. For instance, don't say "The building came of age"; instead, opt for "The building was completed" or "The architectural style came of age".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come of age" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a transition to maturity, adulthood, or a state of full development. Ludwig shows many examples of its usage in describing people, technologies, and abstract concepts reaching a significant stage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come of age" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies reaching maturity or full development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing individuals, technologies, or abstract concepts. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and formal business publications. When using "come of age", ensure it aligns with the intended scope, extending beyond people to encompass various entities. Consider alternatives like "reach adulthood" or "fully develop" depending on the specific context to increase precision. Finally, while "coming of age" refers to a period, "come of age" indicates a completed state. Ludwig's examples provide valuable insight into the phrase's diverse applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach adulthood

Focuses specifically on attaining legal and social maturity.

mature

Emphasizes the process of developing and becoming more advanced.

reach maturity

Highlights the completion of the development process.

fully develop

Stresses the attainment of complete growth and potential.

reach full potential

Focuses on achieving the highest level of capability and performance.

enter adulthood

Highlights the transition into the state of being an adult.

bloom

Suggests a flourishing and successful stage of development.

flourish

Implies thriving and prospering after a period of growth.

ripen

Conveys the idea of reaching a peak or optimal state.

hit one's stride

Indicates a point where someone or something becomes proficient and successful.

FAQs

How can I use "come of age" in a sentence?

You can use "come of age" to describe someone reaching adulthood or something maturing or developing fully. For example, "She "came of age" during a turbulent time" or "Digital marketing has "come of age"."

What are some alternatives to "come of age"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reach adulthood", "mature", or "fully develop". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to a person or a concept.

Is "coming of age" the same as "come of age"?

"Coming of age" typically refers to the period of transition to adulthood, often depicted in stories or films. "Come of age" describes the state of having reached maturity or full development. While related, they aren't interchangeable in all contexts.

Can "come of age" be used for inanimate objects or concepts?

Yes, "come of age" is frequently used to describe the maturation or full development of technologies, movements, or concepts. For example, "Artificial intelligence has "come of age"".