considerably older

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerably older" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is significantly older than another person or thing. Example: "My brother is considerably older than I am, having been born ten years before me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are considerably older.

The New York Times

She is 38 but looks considerably older.

The Guardian

At 73, Albee is considerably older than he looks.

The Guardian

For me too, and I am considerably older.

The Guardian

(No. 1 was the considerably older Sean Connery).

The New York Times

All three are in their early 30s, yet look considerably older.

The Guardian

That is considerably older than the median age of the city as a whole, 34.

The New York Times

Having a friend who is considerably older than your mother is unusual.

The New York Times

But Wilbur has something considerably older to show his readers than a 1950's ideology.

The New York Times - Books

Her siblings were considerably older, and she was pretty much left to her own devices.

The Guardian - Music

Two of them are actors from the film, now considerably older.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "considerably older", ensure you are comparing two specific subjects and that the age difference is genuinely significant. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "considerably older" without a clear point of reference. Ensure it's evident who or what is being compared. Vague comparisons weaken the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerably older" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "older". It indicates a notable age difference between two subjects. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "considerably older" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a significant age difference. Ludwig's analysis, combined with numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its broad applicability. The phrase is particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts, conveying a neutral to slightly formal tone. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize that the age difference is notable, not just marginal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly aged

This alternative replaces "considerably" with "significantly", focusing on the aging aspect.

substantially senior

This alternative uses "substantially" for emphasis and "senior" to denote age.

appreciably more aged

It focuses on the notable aspect of the age difference.

markedly more mature

Uses "markedly" for emphasis and replaces "older" with "mature", implying a level of development associated with age.

noticeably advanced in years

This is a more descriptive alternative, replacing the direct comparison with an observation of advanced age.

distinctly more antiquated

This alternative uses "antiquated", suggesting something is outdated due to its age.

substantially more venerable

Replaces "older" with "venerable", suggesting respect due to age.

far along in years

This alternative focuses on the progression of time and its impact on age.

significantly ahead in age

This alternative focuses on emphasizing the advancement in years of the person or object in question.

well-advanced in age

It replaces the direct comparison with an observation of advanced age.

FAQs

How can I use "considerably older" in a sentence?

You can use "considerably older" to emphasize that someone or something is significantly more aged than another. For example, "My grandfather is "considerably older" than my father."

What's a formal alternative to "considerably older"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "significantly senior" or "substantially more aged" as alternatives to "considerably older".

Is it correct to say "considerable older" instead of "considerably older"?

No, "considerable older" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "considerably" modifies the adjective "older", indicating the extent of the age difference.

How does "considerably older" differ from "slightly older"?

"Considerably older" implies a significant age difference, whereas "slightly older" suggests only a minor difference in age. The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to convey.