cusp of adulthood

USAGE SUMMARY

"cusp of adulthood" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. For example, "At 18, Sarah was standing on the cusp of adulthood when she moved to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, they are young adults, but they are on the cusp of adulthood".

The Guardian - Books

Most of Wilson's main characters are on the cusp of adulthood.

The New York Times - Books

Now that she is on the cusp of adulthood, she and her family have become closer.

The New York Times

Yet in the main the impulse to overthrow the existing order on the cusp of adulthood is healthy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hot Little Hands (Penguin) is a collection of nine stories set in adolescence or on the cusp of adulthood.

The Guardian - Books

His characters included self-satisfied corporate executives, crusty academics, imperious dowagers and bewildered teenagers on the cusp of adulthood.

The New York Times

By yesterday's finale he stood right on the cusp of adulthood, still voiced by the same person.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's a significant age, says Newell, when children are on the cusp of adulthood but retain the innocence of childhood.

The Guardian - Film

One shows the 12-year-old Megumi posing in school uniform, a shy girl teetering on the cusp of adulthood.

The Economist

The title song of "Saturday Night," written for characters on the cusp of adulthood, was created by a young composer on the edge of maturity.

The New York Times

Although the traditional coming-out narrative is here, this is ultimately a tale about friendship, the power of music and being on that scary cusp of adulthood.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cusp of adulthood" to describe the period when individuals are transitioning from adolescence and beginning to take on adult responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "cusp of adulthood" to describe someone already fully established as an adult. It specifically refers to the transitional phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cusp of adulthood" functions as a noun phrase that describes a specific stage of life: the transitional period between adolescence and full adulthood. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it modifies nouns related to individuals or experiences during this time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cusp of adulthood" effectively describes the transitional period between adolescence and full adulthood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, primarily News & Media and Academia. It is a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal settings, used to highlight the changes, challenges, and opportunities associated with this stage of life. Remember to use it to describe this specific transitional phase, differentiating it from "early adulthood", which refers to the period after someone has already entered adulthood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cusp of maturity

Uses "maturity" instead of "adulthood", highlighting the aspect of becoming mature.

Brink of adulthood

Uses "brink" to suggest being very close to reaching adulthood.

Threshold of adulthood

Uses "threshold" to convey the idea of crossing into adulthood.

Edge of adulthood

Similar to "brink", indicating being on the verge of adulthood.

Verge of adulthood

Synonymous with "brink" and "edge", emphasizing nearness to adulthood.

Cusp of manhood

Specifically refers to the transition into male adulthood.

Start of adulthood

Focuses on the beginning phase of adulthood, rather than the transitional period.

Beginning of adulthood

Similar to "start of adulthood", emphasizes the initial stage.

Onset of adulthood

Focuses on the commencement of adulthood.

Point of adulthood

Emphasizes a specific moment or stage in becoming an adult.

FAQs

How can I use "cusp of adulthood" in a sentence?

You can use "cusp of adulthood" to describe someone who is transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. For example, "She was on the cusp of adulthood when she moved away from home."

What is a synonym for "cusp of adulthood"?

Alternatives include "brink of adulthood", "edge of adulthood", or "verge of adulthood".

Is it appropriate to use "cusp of adulthood" in formal writing?

Yes, "cusp of adulthood" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

What's the difference between "cusp of adulthood" and "early adulthood"?

"Cusp of adulthood" refers to the transition period, while "early adulthood" describes the phase after someone has already entered adulthood. They are not interchangeable.