coming of age

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming of age" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to someone's transition into adulthood, and often denotes a period of personal growth or development. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts. For example, 'John's coming of age was marked by a traditional family ceremony, where he was given gifts and wished well for the future.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Portrait presented a coming-of-age tale just as I, more or less, was coming of age.

Duke University

The coming of age story.

WikiHow

Turkey is coming of age with prosperity.

The New York Times

It's also his coming of age.

The New York Times

"But Brutalism is coming of age.

Independent

Teleradiology coming of age: winners and losers.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

BMC Plant Biology

Neymar had come of age.

The New York Times - Sports

Patents had come of age.

World Patent Information

After 1918 Slovak literature came of age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hitchens came of age in the 1960s.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coming of age", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a person's transition to adulthood or the development of something else, like an industry or technology.

Common error

While "coming of age" is a valid phrase, relying on it too heavily in creative writing can make your narrative sound cliché. Explore alternative ways to depict growth and transformation to add depth and originality to your storytelling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming of age" functions primarily as a noun, often used adjectivally to describe stories, events, or periods associated with maturation. It describes the transition from childhood to adulthood or a similar significant development, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

27%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coming of age" is grammatically sound and frequently employed to depict the transition to adulthood or significant developmental stages, as confirmed by Ludwig. Appearing most commonly in news media and academic contexts, it characterizes narratives, experiences, or developments involving substantial growth and change. While versatile, overuse in creative writing should be avoided in favor of more descriptive alternatives. The phrase carries a neutral to informal tone, making it suitable for various settings. Remember to clearly contextualize its usage to ensure your audience understands the intended meaning, whether referring to personal growth or the evolution of something else.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entrance into adulthood

Specifically refers to the transition into adult life.

transition to adulthood

Focuses on the shift from adolescence to adulthood.

reaching maturity

Indicates the attainment of a fully developed state.

formative years

Refers to the years that significantly shape a person or thing.

maturation process

Focuses on the process of maturing, emphasizing the gradual development.

period of growth

Emphasizes the developmental aspect of the transition.

rite of passage

Highlights a specific ceremony or event marking a transition.

developing stage

Highlights the ongoing process of development.

emergence

Implies a process of becoming visible or prominent.

evolution

Suggests a gradual process of change and development.

FAQs

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

You can use "coming of age" to describe a person's transition from childhood to adulthood, as in, "The film depicts her "coming of age" during a turbulent time." It can also refer to the maturation of something else, like "The internet's "coming of age" has transformed communication."

What are some alternatives to "coming of age"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "maturation process", "rite of passage", or "entrance into adulthood".

Is it appropriate to use "coming of age" in formal writing?

Yes, "coming of age" is appropriate in formal writing. However, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning. For example, when describing technological advancement, you might use "reaching maturity" as a more formal alternative.

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

"Coming of age" specifically refers to the transition into adulthood or maturity. "Formative years", on the other hand, refers to the period of life when a person's character or abilities are developed, which may or may not coincide directly with the transition to adulthood.